The 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Singapore

Opened in 2010, Beary Nice! by A Beary Good Hostel is now renowned as one of the best hostels in Singapore, offering travellers a secure and comfortable place to stay at affordable rates. Good location at the heart of Chinatown, nice and clean dorm rooms, and useful facilities are what make backpackers love this hostel.

Quick facts:

Service
The hostel’s service staffs are professional, friendly, and helpful.

Rates
– 8 bed mixed dorm: S$30.00 per bed
– 10 bed mixed dorm: S$28.00 per bed
Prices are inclusive of tax, service charges, breakfast, and WIFI

Facilities
Inclusive facilities
– Free breakfast daily included toasts with jam, coffee &tea and cereals
– Free coffee, tea, hot chocolate all day
– Free WiFi internet access and use of netbooks
– Free local phone calls
– 24 hour reception service, late check-ins at no extra charges
– Separate male and female shared restrooms with hot showers (shower gel and hairdryers provided)
– Self service laundry with Ironing facilities
– Chill out lounge with books, games and Wii console
– Key card security access to room and hostel
– Individual reading light and personal power-point at every bed

Other standards covered
– Air conditioned rooms
– Fresh linen and pillow with comfortable spring mattress and quilt blankets
– Pantry facilities (microwave, toaster, fridge)
– Guest service: information counter, maps, etc
– Large lockers (bring your own lock) and storage area
– Strictly smoke free

Additional services
– Bicycle rentals and bike trips
– Various snacks/drinks and convenience items sale
– Towel rental
– Skype headphone and microphone
– Overnight luggage storage facility
– Printing/scanning services

Check-in and Check-out
– Check-in time is 14:00. Early check-in is subject to availability of beds and cannot be guaranteed.
– Check-out time is 12:00. Late check outs are not accepted. However, guests are welcomed to remain at the lounge area and avail the hostel facilities until their departure time.

Notes
– Only accept cash payment in SGD
– A refundable security deposit of S$15.00 will be collected upon check-in. This will be returned upon check out.
– The hostel is not able to accept local residents or Singapore PRs as guests
– The hostel does not allow children below the age of 15 years old and senior citizen above 70 to stay at the hostel
– Peak season rates may apply

How to get there from Changi Airport
– By taxi:  About 20 minutes, S$17.00 – S$20.00 per trip
– By shuttle bus: About 30 – 40 minutes, S$9.00 per trip
– By MRT, align at Chinatown MRT station: About 40 minutes, S$1.90 per trip

Located at Hong Kong Street, Clarke Quay area, River City Inn is another popular hostel in central Singapore. The hostel is equipped with modern facilities and offers a variety of dorm beds catering to all backpacker staying needs.

Quick facts:

Service
The hostel’s service is professional and efficient.

Rates
– Mixed dorm: S$26.00 per bed
– Ladies-only dorm: S$29.00 per bed
– 6 bed mixed dorm: S$29.00 per bed
– Private 4 bed room: S$128.00 per room
Prices are inclusive of tax and service charges

Facilities
Inclusive facilities
– 24 hour reception, no curfew
– Free luggage storage and use of facilities after checkout
– Free breakfast daily
– Free WiFi Internet access and use of Internet kiosk
– Free linen

Additional services
– Laundry facilities
– Towel rental
– Airport shuttle service arrangement

Check-in and Check-out
– Check in time: 14:00 – 23:00. No check-in after 23:00.
– Check out time: 12:00

Notes
– Accept cash only for payment
– The hostel is not able to accept local residents or Singapore PRs as guests
– The hostel does not allow children below the age of 12 years old to stay at the hostel
– The hostel is located on the 4th floor of a heritage shop-house without a lift

How to get there from Changi Airport
– By taxi:  About 20 minutes, S$18.00 – S$20.00 per trip
– By MRT, align at Clark Quay MRT station: About 45 minutes, S$1.90 per trip

Nestled at the vibrant and lively Joo Chiat area is Betel Box, one of the most favourite backpacker hostel in Singapore. The hostel is nicely decorated, and all of its air-conditioned dorms are equipped with quality furniture and essential facilities.

Quick facts:

Service
The hostel’s service is excellent and its staff is professional and helpful.

Rates
– 20 bed mixed dorm: S$20.00 per bed
– 8 bed mixed dorm: S$22.00 per bed
– 8 bed female dorm: S$23.00 per bed
– 6 bed mixed dorm: S$25.00 per bed
– Private double room: S$80.00 per room for 2 persons. Extra single bed costs S$20.00.
Prices are inclusive of tax, service charges, breakfast, and WIFI

Facilities
Inclusive facilities
– Free breakfast daily included fruits, toasts with jams, spreads, and coffee &tea
– Free WiFi internet access and use of Internet terminals
– 24 hour reception service, no curfew
– Hot and cold showers
– Free bed linen and blanket
– Free use of security locker and lock
– Free use of Fitness Centre facilities

Additional services
– Bicycle rental
– Towel rental
– Laundry services
– Printing/scanning services

Check-in and Check-out
– Check in time: 13:00. If there is a bed available, customers can check in early. Late check-ins at no extra charges.
– Check out time: 12:00. Guests are welcomed to remain at the lounge area and avail the hostel facilities until their departure time.

Notes
– There are no en-suites or private attached toilets / showers
– The hostel is not able to accept locals or foreign workers as guests

How to get there from Changi Airport
– By taxi:  About 15 minutes, S$14.00 – S$17.00 per trip
– By MRT, align at Payer Lebar MRT station: About 25 minutes, S$1.60 per trip
– By bus, take bus 24 at the airport and align at Joo Chiat Complex: About 30 minutes, S$1.70 per trip

The Little Red Dot is a nice, clean and cosy hostel located at 125 Lavender Street, providing travel lovers comfortable and fun staying environment with air-conditioned rooms and a spacious greenery relaxing lounge, where guests can read a book, play games, drink coffee, and make friends with fellow travelers.

Quick facts:

Service
The hostel’s staff is resourceful and welcoming.

Rates
– 8 bed mixed dorm: S$22.00 per bed
– 8 bed female dorm: S$22.00 per bed
– 6 bed mixed dorm: S$26.00 per bed
– 4 bed mixed dorm: S$30.00 per bed

Facilities
Inclusive facilities
– 24 hour reception, no curfew
– Free simple breakfast
– Free WiFi Internet access and use of Internet kiosk
– Access to its tiny library

Additional services
– Laundry facilities
– Safety deposit box rental
– Towel rental
– Airport shuttle service arrangement

Check-in and Check-out
– Check in time: 14:00 – 02:00. No check-in after 02:00.
– Check out time: 12:00

Notes
– Only accept cash payment in SGD
– A refundable security deposit of S$20.00 will be collected upon check-in. This will be returned upon check out.
– Pets are not allowed

How to get there from Changi Airport
– By taxi:  About 18 minutes, S$15.00 – S$18.00 per trip
– By MRT, align at Lavender MRT station: About 30 minutes, S$1.60 per trip

Founded in 2009, and recently renovated in 2013, Drop Inn is a chic hostel furnished with new furniture and modern facilities. Besides dormitories, the hostel also offers private rooms for families and groups of friends at affordable rates.

Quick facts:

Service
The hostel’s service staff is welcoming, helpful, and sociable.

Rates
– 8 bed mixed dorm: S$29.00 per bed
– 6 bed mixed dorm: S$31.00 per bed
– 6 bed female dorm: S$32.00 per bed
– 4 bed private room: S$33.00 per person
– Private double room: S$83.00 per room for 2 persons. Extra single bed costs S$25.00.

Facilities
Inclusive facilities
– No curfew
– Free luggage storage and use of facilities after checkout
– Free breakfast daily
– Free WiFi Internet access and use of Internet netbooks
– Free use of pantry facilities (microwave, toaster, fridge)
– Free linen

Additional services
– Laundry facilities
– Towel rental
– Headset rental

Check-in and Check-out
– Check in time: 13:00. If there is a bed available, customers can check in early. No check-in after 22:00.
– Check out time: 12:00. Guests are welcomed to remain at the lounge area and avail the hostel facilities until their departure time.

Notes
– Reception hours are from 08:00 to 22:00
– Air-conditionings in the dorms are off from 12:00 to 20:00 daily
– The hostel is not able to accept local residents or Singapore PRs as guests
– The hostel does not allow guests below the age of 18 years old to stay at the hostel
– The double rooms are nicest rooms in the hostel because they have queen-size bed and window

How to get there from Changi Airport
– By taxi:  About 17 minutes, S$16.00 – S$18.00 per trip
– By MRT, align at Boon Keng MRT station: About 35 minutes, S$1.60 per trip