A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Singapore vs. Arrowtown for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Singapore or Arrowtown?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Singapore or Arrowtown? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Singapore

Singapore is a glitzy, modern, and global city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Singapore is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Singapore travel costs.

Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a historic, charming, and quaint town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Arrowtown travel costs.

Singapore and Arrowtown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Singapore or Arrowtown?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Singapore than Arrowtown, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Singapore is better known for its museums and attractions, food, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Arrowtown is more popular for its skiing, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Singapore is well known for its blend of cultures, its lush gardens, and its clean streets. Also, Singapore is famous for Merlion Park Waterfront. Arrowtown is well known for its gold rush history, impressive ski slopes, and famous hikes.

How is Singapore different from Arrowtown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Arrowtown and Singapore. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Singapore or Arrowtown Better for Skiing?

Arrowtown is notable for snow skiing. However, Singapore is not a skiing destination.

Arrowtown is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. In the area you'll find amazing skiing that ranges from professional level to family-friendly.

Singapore is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Singapore or Arrowtown?

Singapore is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Singapore specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The mix of cultures and unique history have led to museums and landmarks that mix historic and modern. The Merlion statue in Merlion Park has become a symbol of the city. For an educational experience, head to the Asian Civilizations Museum, and to see colonial architecture check out Fort Canning Park.

Arrowtown offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town feels likes a living museum with its historic sights. There's also the Lakes District Museum in town that you can visit.

Is the Food Better in Singapore or Arrowtown? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Singapore is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Singapore has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. From local dives to five star restaurants, the city's food scene is all about diversity. Make sure you try Hainanese chicken rice, chili crab, and Hokkien prawn mee.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Arrowtown. For such a small town, there's a surprising number of great restaurants with award winning chefs. You'll find quaint cafes, traditional eateries, and casual restaurants where you can sample the local dishes.

Is Singapore or Arrowtown Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Singapore and Arrowtown.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Singapore. It's all about the glitzy nightclubs and exclusive cocktail bars. Head to Clarke Quay, Marina Bay Sands, or one of the many rooftop bars to experience the best of Singapore's nightlife. Do keep in mind that the city has a high alcohol tax, and strict rules around drinking in public places during certain hours.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Arrowtown. For such a small town, there's a surprisingly bustling nightlife scene with casual pubs and waterfront bars.

Is Singapore or Arrowtown Better for Music?

Singapore is terrific for live music. However, Arrowtown is not a live music destination.

Singapore is known as a music capital around the world. As a globalized city, you'll find almost any type of music here. Popular music venues include Timbre, Zouk, and the Crazy Elephant.

Arrowtown is not a live music destination.

Is Singapore or Arrowtown Better for Resorts?

Singapore is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Arrowtown is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Singapore is a perfect choice. From sleek high rises with rooftop pools to family-friendly resorts with kid oriented activities, this city has it all. Popular resorts include Oasia Resort Sentosa, Dusit Thani Laguna, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Arrowtown is not a resort destination.

Is Singapore or Arrowtown Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Singapore is not a good area for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Arrowtown is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Most people don't go snorkeling in Singapore. The best place to snorkel in the area is Pulau Hantu.

Arrowtown is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Singapore or Arrowtown Better for Beaches?

Singapore is very good for its beaches. However, Arrowtown is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Singapore to enjoy the beach. You'll find most of the area's best beaches on Sentosa Island. There's a 2 kilometer long artificial beach that is split into Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach, and Tanjong Beach.

Arrowtown is not a beach destination.

Is Singapore or Arrowtown Better for its Old Town?

Arrowtown is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Singapore does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Arrowtown. This is a quirky and charming historic mining town that has many cottages and historic buildings. Many places have been restored to maintain their original character.

Singapore does not have a historic old town.

Is Singapore or Arrowtown Better for Hiking?

Arrowtown is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Singapore is not a hiking destination.

People visit Arrowtown specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Many people use this town as a jumping off point for some of the world's most iconic hikes. You can explore Lord of the Rings country or do one of fifteen different listed walks in the area.

Singapore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Singapore or Arrowtown?

Singapore is terrific for shopping. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Singapore. You'll find tons of malls along Orchard Road, but for a more eclectic shopping experience head to the Chinatown Street Market.

Arrowtown is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is an experience in town. Head to Buckingham Street, which is the main street in town. You can wander through a wild west setting with local vendors and quirky galleries.

Is Singapore or Arrowtown More Beautiful?

Singapore is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Arrowtown is not a destination known for its beauty.

Singapore is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It is a beautiful city with many lights and colorful neighborhoods.

Arrowtown is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Singapore or Arrowtown Better for Families?

Singapore is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Singapore is one of the most popular family destinations. With places like Sentosa and Universal Studios, there really is no shortage of activities for kids. There's also a zoo, an aquarium, and bird park, and many kid-friendly museums.

Arrowtown is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the old world charm as much as adults. There's gold panning, bike trails, and even a historic Chinese village. During the winter there are snow sports and during the summer there are outdoor activities that take advantage of the nice weather.

Is Singapore or Arrowtown Better for Couples?

Singapore is terrific for romance. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Singapore has plenty to offer. The city has stunning hotels, amazing restaurants, and plenty of fun activities that are perfect for couples.

Couples visit Arrowtown frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming atmosphere and beautiful walks make this a great weekend destination for couples. You can take a stroll on the Arrow River Walkway or grab a meal at a quaint cafe followed by ice cream at a classic ice cream parlor.

Is Singapore or Arrowtown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Singapore is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Singapore. Many backpackers use this city as a starting or ending point for their Southeast Asian backpacking trip. It's modern and glamourous, but still has plenty of backpacker-friendly and budget-friendly options.

Arrowtown is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town and backpackers love the frequent festivals and activities that the town hosts.

Is Singapore or Arrowtown Better for Students?

Singapore is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Arrowtown is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Singapore. As such a diverse city, you'll find plenty of international students as well as expats to hang out with.

Arrowtown is not popular with students.

Is Singapore or Arrowtown Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Singapore is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Singapore can take you anywhere. There is the MRT subway system as well as buses that travel all over the city.

You'll find some public transit in Arrowtown, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses throughout the region.

Is Singapore or Arrowtown a more walkable city?

Singapore is terrific for its walkability. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Singapore. It's possible to walk in most areas in the city center. There are also park connectors that are nice for taking a stroll or going for a run.

Arrowtown is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Singapore Worth Visiting? and Is Arrowtown Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arrowtown or Singapore?

How long in Singapore or Arrowtown?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Singapore or Arrowtown to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Singapore than Arrowtown because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Singapore, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arrowtown.

Families should spend more time in Singapore than Arrowtown. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Singapore, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Singapore than Arrowtown. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Singapore that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Singapore than Arrowtown if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Singapore.

One day in Singapore or Arrowtown?

People visit Singapore because there is so much to do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Even though Arrowtown is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Arrowtown has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Singapore or Arrowtown?

People visit Singapore because there is so much to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Arrowtown is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Singapore or Arrowtown?

People visit Singapore because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Arrowtown is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Singapore or Arrowtown?

Singapore is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Singapore, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Arrowtown is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Singapore, The Best Tours for Seniors to Singapore, The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Singapore and Arrowtown, we can see that Singapore is more expensive. And not only is Arrowtown much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Singapore is in Asia and Arrowtown is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Arrowtown would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Arrowtown and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Singapore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Singapore than you might in Arrowtown.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Singapore Expensive? and Is Arrowtown Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Singapore or Arrowtown?

Singapore has a larger population, and is about 1650 times larger than the population of Arrowtown. When comparing the sizes of Singapore and Arrowtown, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.