A recent development in Singapore – if you will allow
‘recent’ to stretch back three years – has
been a range of inexpensive, tidy, and cozy accommodations
for the budget traveler. In 2004, they were popping up at
the rate of one a month, according to a Straits Times report.
Now there are as many as 30, with a primary concentration
being in Little India.
Dorm beds can be had for under S$20 a night, with specials
at some places for extended stays. Singles and doubles generally
run less than S$50 a night. Common baths are the norm.
Prince of Wales Backpacker Hostel – Dorm beds start
at S$18 a night, dropping as low as S$13 a night for a three-night
stay. One ‘double’, which may just be a room with
a single bunk bed, goes for about S$42 a night. Breakfast
comes with a room or a bed, and the place has the advantage
(or disadvantage) of having a lively pub down stairs, with
an active band schedule – and, no, not Filipino cover
bands. Even if you can’t hook a bed, it looks an interesting
place to step into on a night out in Little India. Located
on Dunlop Street. Web site: www.pow.com.sg
The InnCrowd Backpackers’ Hostel Singapore – This
is also on Dunlop Street in Little India, and also has its
own pub. Dorm beds go at S$18 a night, and double rooms at
S$48. Both InnCrowd and Prince of Wales were fully booked
when I stopped by, so don’t expect to walk in off the
street. Staff at both places was friendly, helpful, and happy
to answer questions – good places to consider for a
night or two on a quick visa run. Web site:www.the-inncrowd.com
Backpacker Cozy Corner Guesthouse – This is a more centrally
located place, with dorm beds going for S$8-S$15, and the
top price for single and double rooms at S$45. It’s
in a great location, with lots of inexpensive eating spots
right downstairs and only a short walk to the Bugis MRT Station.
Also, down the side streets off North Bridge Road are many
small night spots for an evening of drink, TV sports, and
pool. Web site:www.cozycornerguest.com
Ah Chew Hotel – This is just around the corner from
Cozy Corner, and, um, has a little more character. An old
sign advertising Ah Chew Hotel has been covered with a banner
saying simply, “Room for Rent”. A brochure given
to me by hotel staff says the same thing, and clarifies its
location as being ‘On top of Tong Seng Coffeeshop’
– the kitchen of which you walk through on your way
up. Nonetheless, it was full, and it has the added convenience
of an Internet café being located on the second or
third floor (rooms are on the fourth). Not a flashy place,
but worth a try; rates at S$26-$55 a night for single and
doubles. No Web site. Tel: 65 6837 0356.
Bugis Backpackers’ Hostel – This is in the same
area as Ah Chew and Cozy Corner. If security is your primary
concern, go for this place. I couldn’t even get in the
door without a reservation, and the staff who answered the
bell was wary of me standing out on the third-floor landing
just asking questions. Still, three guests on their way in
and out gave thumbs up on it. Dorm beds start at S$22 a night,
and private rooms at S$50. Web site: www.bugisbackpackers.com
Try booking any of the above except Ah Chew at www.hostelworld.com
to see if you can get a better rate than is available on the
official Web sites. Do book in advance. None of the places
had a walk-in room or bed available. Some of the hostels do
not allow guests under 18.
Note: Avoid Booh Wah Hotel and Kerbau Hotel. They might come
up on the hotel/hostel booking sites. Neither place looked
inviting or had any faded charm to offset a seedy atmosphere.
