It might just be a little red dot on the world map, but everyone knows about it. After all, Singapore–that little island off the coast of Malaysia–is just one of the few countries to attain “first world” status in Asia. Aside from being a great place for business, it’s also a prime destination for travelers. Singapore boasts of world-class tourist attractions, delightful cuisines, friendly locals, and a safe, crime-free environment. It’s no wonder that people from around the world are visiting the Lion City in droves every day!

Last July, my partner and I went on a four-day trip to Singapore. We had saved up for the trip in advance, but we still planned our budget carefully to make every cent count (and have change to spare). Although we weren’t very stringent with our budget–you can only have so much fun when you’re a cheapskate–we still went on tipid mode several times to avoid unnecessary expenses. Here’s a rundown of how we explored Singapore on a budget and some tips on how you can save on your own trip.

(All photos courtesy of Joy Gavica)