Korean Job Discussion Forums

neil537 · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Location: Incheon, South Korea

I'm going to be in Singapore for 4-5 nights (possible night in Melaka) next month, and despite the wealth of information on the web and a Lonely Planet, I can't really seem to figure out where the best place to stay might be.

Anyone got any recommendations?

runthegauntlet · Joined: 02 Dec 2007 Location: the southlands.

Stayed at 'Sleepy Sam's' about two weeks ago in Bugis, which was more or less a Muslim section of town, close by to Little India.

Was about 19 USD a night for a bunk, clean, a bit cramped (or is that...cozy) with sheets and hanging boards separating bunks. AC on at night. Breakfast included and a small cafe on premises with internet and wifi.

Cool section of town, though. Right down from the Sultan Mosque which is picturesque but annoying when they play the prayer chant thing. Lots of little stores and some delicious eateries on the same street. About 10 minutes walk from the metro. I'd stay there again.

bucheon bum · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

Last time I was in singapore, I stayed in the same area as rtg, different place, but about the same price. Was a big dorm room. didn't feel very cramped. Very clean floors, and was very well-done. As far as its name... Eh, I'll get back to you on that one. I just remember it being on the pedestrian street that ends at the Sultan mosque (which is about a block away).

I'd endorse the area too. I didn't really notice the call to prayer personally, but after living and traveling through a number of Muslim countries, I might just naturally tune it out now.

curiousaboutkorea · Joined: 21 Jan 2009

I stayed at Fragrance Hostel (part of a local Fragrance Hotel chain) in Little India on Dunlop St. The area is fantastic, right in Little India. Good food, not far from the subway. The hostel itself lacked any character whatsoever. But who wants to hang out at the hostel anyways? It was super-clean and professional. Huge lockers which were large enough to fit all of any sane person's luggage. It had a small internet cafe. Cost was 22 or 24 SGD when I was there about a year and a half ago.

Mr. Pink · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Location: China

The first time I went I stayed in China Town at a motel there, it was about $30 SG a night with breakfast included.

I am curious why people who are working as so called professionals want to slum it when they travel? There is no need to hit a hostel or share a bunk with someone. Singapore has plenty of cheaper motels that have clean rooms, A/C and even breakfast included.

runthegauntlet · Joined: 02 Dec 2007 Location: the southlands.

bucheon bum · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

Missihippi · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Location: Gwangmyeong

I'll agree with Mr. Pink. I spent a couple days in Singapore in late Feb. I stayed in and around China town, which was a cooler part of town than Little India in my opinion. There is a section of town along the river that has a lot of good restaurants and bars, keep in mind that it's singapore and expensive. I recommend the "Clinic", a hospital themed bar where you can get an IV bag of alchohol and sit in a wheel chair all night. haha

Morgen · Joined: 02 Jul 2008

The Hangout@Mt. Emily has kind of a dorky name, but a great location right between Chinatown and Little India and next to a nice park. It's a shade more expensive than some other places I considered but the rooms were very clean and modern, with a large ensuite bathroom in the dorms. They had the best free-internet computers I've ever used.

I love staying in hostels, even when I get a private room. A big chunk of the reason I travel is to meet people, plus you can rarely get that combination of cleanliness, centrality and cheapness with some soulless cheap hotel.