The Lounge, Kitchen and reception in one open, social area
Budget Accommodation in Singapore with an Eco Twist
Finding Budget Accommodation in Singapore has a slightly different meaning to finding Budget Accommodation in other South East Asian countries. Of course, prices are relative to the economy of a destination. Costs are generally going to be a little more in Singapore than it’s neighbouring countries, so how do you make the most out of your budget accommodation without settling for just plain crumby?
You of course have a few options. Couch Surfing is a great free option, if you’d like to meet some of the locals and experience how people live in your destination. This is an excellent medium if looking for a fairly short stay, often just a night or two would be considered an acceptable duration without overstaying your hosts gracious hospitality. There are always positives and negatives with any experience, mind you, as your host will most likely be working, and you may not have full access to their accommodation while they’re out for the day. Another good choice is hostels, as you’ll meet many other like minded, budget travellers. Of course, since you’re paying, your only restraint will be what’s in your wallet. So how do you choose the right hostel to really get your money’s worth?
Environmental tips around every corner
While searching for budget accommodation in Singapore, you’ll find there’s several hostels in the city’s centre, all roughly in the same price range. I felt to maximize my time there, I would go somewhere which not only met my budget, but also gave back to the destination in a positive way. While searching for decent budget accommodation in Singapore, a friend referred me to the
Tree In Lodge guesthouse.
Exchange post – leave what you don’t need, take what you do
Centrally located, and with a very similar price range to other hostels found downtown, the thing that set
Tree In Lodge apart from other budget accommodation in Singapore was their very high standards for being eco-conscious. They have many green initiatives, and were even featured in a national news channel during my stay there. Check out the
video and
write upof their coverage)
Amazing staff with a wealth of tips, and advice during your stay
Plenty of travel resources for guests to use!
As you walk into the hostel, you immediately realize that there’s something special about this place. From the exceptionally friendly and helpful staff who will give you tips on all the cool, off-beaten-trail things to do around the city, to the fresh filtered tap water available for guests to refill their water bottles; from the helpful green-promoting tips painted on the walls all throughout the hostel, to the low-energy laundry service offered to the customers. There was even a trading post, where guests could leave unwanted baggage (from clothing, to sun screen, to half used batteries, etc) for other guests to pick up, rather than having them tossed in the waste bin. In fact, if you arrive by bicycle, you immediately get half off your stay with them (this promotion was relevant at the time of this publication, please check their
website for current promotions).
Low energy laundry facilities
There’s even messages in the washrooms! No details were missed
With a very comfortable lounge for guests, and large dorm rooms, filled with lockers, and privacy drapes on the bunks, including 24-hour tea and coffee in the guest kitchen, this place makes for a very pleasant stay. As far as finding budget accommodation in Singapore that you truly feel you’re getting your money’s worth, the
Tree in Lodge most certainly will provide you with a memorable experience. While making a very low carbon imprint during their stay, guests will most likely leave feeling a little more educated as to how they can make an environmental difference while continuing on in their travels.
Educational room names with info on local tree species of Singapore
Anyone that stays at
Tree In Lodge‘s budget accommodation in Singapore will come as guests, and leave as friends… both of the staff, the patrons, and Mother Earth.
Have you ever stayed somewhere which really made you feel good about your decision to stay there? Where was it? What made your stay so positive?
This place looks so neat! Loving the environmental reminders placed all over too. I will have to put this down somewhere, so I remember to stay here when I get to Singapore.
Erin Marie recently posted..My First Travel Companion.
It was really hip – the best part was all the insider tips the staff gave on cool spots to check out while staying in Singapore
If ever heading that way, let me know – maybe I’ll have to make another visit!
globe_trottah recently posted..Haw Par Villa – Singapore’s forgotten Theme Park
Good stuff, Ian. Our site is full of some of the top ecolodges in the world that are nearly all going above and behind to actually try to create a positive impact, as opposed to only reducing their inevitable negative impact. Travel has a huge power to drive positive change, as you’ve shown here.
Hey ‘GreenTravelGuy’ – I love the concept, it’s really a shame it’s only just becoming something of interest to people once again. The industrial age definitely did a number on human’s disconnection with the earth. It’s hopeful to see that there are people who are bringing this back, not only to become neutral, but to actually create a positive impact!
globe_trottah recently posted..Yi Peng – Floating Lanterns Festival in Chiang Mai
I want to go. If I end up back in Chiang Mai in september (very possible), I’m going to see if I can talk you into going back
Drew Meyers recently posted..Travel Photo: Today is a Good Day
Hey Drew – sadly September has been and gone (and I’m quite late on replying!! haha, unless you were talking about 2013) – but I can easily be persuaded! No question there
Let’s do it next time you’re in this neck of the woods!
globe_trottah recently posted..Forensic Pathology Museum – A look inside Bangkok’s “Museum of Death”
It’s enough. Utilize buses and MRT to get arnuod they usually cost an average of $2-3 per trip. Try shopping at bargain places like Bugis, Little India, Mustafa, Arab Street and Chinatown. Pick a hotel that offers breakfast so that you won’t have to worry about that anymore. There are a lot of good local eats at hawker markets and food courts. Water is very clean and safe there so you can drink from the tap bring a water bottle or jug with you so you can carry this while looking arnuod.
Yes Samirah – there’s SO MANY WAYS to reduce our impact on the earth. The reason I like this hostel so much is that they help not only in listing them to their guests, and promoting them, but even offering tools to help in doing so (such as filtered water to refill your bottle with). The most important person in changing the world is yourself and your own actions. Leading by example, and others are sure to follow! Be part of the positive movement!
globe_trottah recently posted..Rockwood Conservation Area – Autumn hiking oasis
Hi Ian,
nice find for such a dorm house in Singapore and so eco-conscious as well! Some piece of advice for traveling on budget in Singapore.
1) Most of the water coming out from the public tap is already very clean to drink direct. That’s we I do even at home. Drink straight from the tap.
2) The places to eat cheap and good local food will be the non-airconditioned hawker centers that can be found almost anywhere. If not, just ask any pedestrians around you, they would be able to point you to one. A plate of chicken rice at these hawker center costs not more than US$3.
3) And yes, the best place to buy low-priced or very competitively priced stuff will be at the 24-hour Mustafa Center in Little India. You can find almost anything there from gold jewelry to computer appliances to even Swiss branded watches like Tag Heuer!
Danny
(http://www.budgethotels.sg)
Hey Danny! Thanks for your tips on Singapore! I think the fact that there’s clean drinking water in Singapore should almost entirely remove the necessity for bottled water! It’s a problem most developed countries face. There’s no need for the bottled water, yet we pay ridiculous amounts for it. A good reason why people should travel with reusable water bottles, as it’s SO much better for the environment AND for the wallet.
I’m going to SIN in April, I think I’ll stay here!
Hey Stephanie – that’s awesome you’re heading to Singapore!! First time there??? It’s an amazing hostel, but even more importantly the staff are beyond awesome! I love that it’s so green-conscious, and that they’re so passionate about that!! More places need to follow this lead! Have fun in Singapore – I know you’ll love it!