10 Free Things To Do In Singapore

Singapore is one of the most beautiful cities in South East Asia--and also, one of the most expensive places to visit. Being on a budget shouldn't stop you from booking a flight, though. Here are ten spots around the city that you can have fun in for absolutely no cost!

1. Marvel at The Jewel at Changi Airport

flickr via Andrew JK Tan

Your Singaporean adventure starts right after you hop off your plane! Changi Airport is touted as the "World's Best Airport" for six years in a row, and for good reason. Recently, they unveiled a unique attraction aptly named The Jewel. With its amazing Water Vortex and Forest Valley attractions, it's the perfect place to shake off airplane mode!

2. Catch the Garden Symphony at Gardens by the Bay

flickr via Elena Long

At night, the towering Super Trees light up in-sync with the night's music theme ranging from Broadway, to movies, to pop! Don't worry! No tickets are needed to enjoy this attraction! Just be sure to get there early for a good seat to the show.

3. Take Insta-Worthy Pics at Haji Lane

flickr via Yoshihiro Sakai

This hipster spot is a popular place to take pictures worthy of the 'Gram. Its architecture and small shops showcase the work of the country's up and coming designers and artists. If you want to find out the latest trends in Singapore fashion and pop-culture, don't miss out on this hidden gem in the Bugis area.

4. Snap a Photo with the Merlion

flickr via Rodrigo Layug

This tourist must-see is at the end of a pleasant stroll alongside the gorgeous Marina Bay. Snag a good spot beside the statue and take pictures with your travel buddies! Don't forget to take in the amazing view of the Singapore skyline that serves as a backdrop for this iconic landmark.

5. Explore around Clarke Quay

flickr via Jeffrey Wong

Clarke Quay is more than just a popular night spot. During the day, this charming location beside the Singapore River is a delightful place to enjoy the morning breeze. Look out for Hill Street Building, a landmark made famous by its colorful windows! Also, don't miss out on the quaint underpasses, covered in murals crafted by local artists!

6. Enjoy the Sights at Little India

flickr via Thanthip Moovlong

Stepping into this charming community is like being transported to a completely different country altogether. Little India is popular not only for cheap shopping, but also for budget-friendly meals. There many picture-worthy spots too, with decorations around the area being changed depending on the time of year. Looking for a place to shop for souvenirs? Get bang for your buck at Mustafa Shopping Centre!

7. Take a Stroll Around China Town

flickr via Jonathan Roirand

China Town is a bustling hub of shopping, dining and culture! There are beautiful temples at almost every corner that you are free to take photos of. While you're there, you can also visit the Buddha Tooth Museum which houses one of the actual teeth of Buddha himself. Bonus? China Town is a great place to grab cheap eats, and is only a few steps away from one of the city's best hawker centres: Maxwell Food House!

8.  Drop by St. Andrews Cathedral

flickr via Jonathan Danker / Ansel Media

This landmark is one of the oldest cathedrals in South East Asia, standing tall for more than 150 years. Despite being there for more than a century, its architecture is still something to behold. Its walls have served as a canvas for the country's best artists through the years. Visiting is absolutely free, but be sure to be respectful about taking photos in this beautiful place of worship.

9. Get Cultured at the Singapore National Museum

flickr via Alissa Chang

This former school was masterfully renovated to house the country's national art collection. The space has been curated to perfection with a balance of traditional and modern art, mixed with a little historical lesson for good measure. Make sure to drop by on a Friday evening, though, when entrance is absolutely free!

10. Be Dazzled by the Light Show at Marina Bay

Every night, local establishments mount an amazing light show that showcases the beauty not only of the Singapore skyline, but the bay itself. Watch the lights dance around the reflection of Marina Bay and make sure to bring your best camera with you. This show can be visible from anywhere near the Bay for no extra cost. For an added bonus, you watch the light show on the futuristic Anderson Bridge which comes with its own set of fantastic lights!

Singapore is surely a sight to behold--even on a budget! To maximize your traveling experience, make sure to plan ahead with a partner that cares about your budget as much as you do! kkday has wonderful packages that will help you get the most out of your trip and make the best memories you get to keep for life!

10 Bucket-List Worthy Things K-Pop Fans Should Do In Seoul

K-Pop has been steadily taking the world by storm. Every year, more and more people are learning to appreciate this pop-culture phenomenon for its unique beats, ear-catching tunes and dazzling aesthetics. K-Pop fandoms are a sub-culture of their own, and nothing is more coveted than a trip to the penultimate travel destination: Seoul, South Korea.

But for the first-time traveller, it can be a challenge to know where to go and what to do. Here are ten things that can guide you to have the best K-Pop pilgrimage trip ever:

1. Shop in Myeongdong

flickr via Bao Huy

A trip to Seoul wouldn't be complete without dropping by the merchandise mecca: Myeongdong! Get ready to quench your thirst for merch as you walk through store after store filled with albums, badge pins, even light sticks! 

2. Check out Local Musicals

flickr via lazy fri13th

A few of you would be surprised to know that some K-Pop idols also dabble in theater work! It's not uncommon for the artists to be cast as the hero or heroine in local productions. Don't forget to check the cast schedules in advance to make sure you see your fave in action. Break a leg!

3. See the Sights at Star Avenue

flickr via Yoichi Kawasaki

Star Avenue in Lotte World is a K-Pop fan's paradise! You can see huge displays of all your favorites in one place--not just musicians but actors as well. One attraction, in particular, has gained worldwide popularity among fans. There are interactive bronze casts of the artist's hands where you can actually compare your hand size to theirs! 

4. Attend a Concert

flickr via Looda Loodason

If you play your cards right, you could be in the crowd shouting fan chants with the rest of your fandom! Although getting concert tickets in Korea could prove to be tricky, the chance to see your artist up close is well worth it! A word of caution, though: Be wary of scalpers who just care about your cash and nothing else. Get your local fandom friends to help you out so that you can have a seamless experience and wave that light stick with pride!

5. Watch a K-Pop Music Show

flickr via Yuxin Cheng

If getting concert tickets is out of the question, why not try for the next best thing? Music shows are recorded by multiple broadcast stations every week. There's a good chance that your luck could lead you to watch at least one show! The best part? No matter how long the queue is, word on the street is that producers tend to let foreign-looking fans in. So, make an effort to be noticed and be sure to stand out from the crowd!

6. Grab a Bite at Themed Cafes

flickr via Hazri Sharudin

All that walking around is sure to make your tummy grumble, and what better way to be refreshed than by going to a K-Pop themed cafe? There are places in the city that will serve you drinks and pastries based on your favorite artist's music and aesthetics--all while you dine with their tracks blaring through the speakers! What a treat, indeed!

7. Drop by the Local Grocery Store

flickr via Bryan Hughes

Did you know that your K-Pop idols also have tons of endorsements for local products? From chocolates, to noodles, to chips--don't miss your chance of grabbing some their products hiding in grocery store aisles. Who wouldn't love to get their hands on limited edition packaging with their faces on it?

8. Visit Music Video Locations 

flickr via Samsung Newsroom

Wouldn't it be a thrill to know that you're standing in the same spot as your fave? When in Seoul, you definitely can! With a little research, you can go to locations made famous by your favorite music videos. Pop by the local spots with familiar backgrounds where you can recreate iconic idol moments.

9. Listen to a few Buskers

flickr via Kim Hoon

Busking is alive and well in Seoul. Some idols started out performing their music in the humble city streets, like Akdong Musician and Kim Jaehwan formerly of Wanna One. In fact, even after their debut, some idols have been known to take to the streets and bust out a surprise performance or two. Take a few minutes to be serenaded by these brave souls. Who knows? You might be staring at the next global superstars!

10. Enjoy Public Transport

flicker via Craig & Estelle McKay

Remember to keep your eyes peeled when you take public transport around the city! Fansites and Fan Clubs all over the world often rent ad space in subway stations and the like, so it's not uncommon to see a huge tribute to your favorite artist around the city--especially during their birthday or anniversary month.

Whether you're visiting for two days or two weeks, there are plenty of activities you can do to make your time in Seoul unforgettable. But the best tip of all? Don't leave without investing in a trusted partner who is as concerned about your trip as you are. Make sure that your travel itinerary is well-taken care of with kkday, so that you can take your mind of the little things and enjoy the full beauty of Seoul!