Should you visit Similan Islands or Singapore?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel cost comparison between Similan Islands and Singapore can help. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Similan Islands
There are places divers like, and there are places divers love. One of the most popular spots to visit the underwater world is at the national park of the Similan Islands in southern Thailand. With 140 square kilometers of land and nine islands, this area is a paradise for those ready to get their feet wet.
The park is made up of nine islands: Ko Bon, Ko Bayu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Miang, Ko Payan, Ko Paying and Ko Huyong. If these names are a bit too similar for you to easily differentiate, don't worry. Most refer to each island with a number from 1 to 9. Two more islands were added to the park Koh Bon and Koh Tachai in 1998.
Even though the park was only established in 1982, the islands have been around for approximately 65 million years. They are the product of swells of hot magma during the Cretaceous period and smoothed over by glacial ice and water erosion. The reefs beneath the surface are approximately 5,000 years and therefor the oldest in Thailand. Luckily, because of its deep waters, the islands' underwater landscapes were essentially unharmed during the 2004 tsunami.
Each island is covered in lush, tropical jungle and white, sandy coastlines. There is fish of every shape, color and size including the famous "Nemo" clownfish, batfish, barracudas, whale sharks and manta rays.
You'll want to plan your visit around monsoon season. So book a trip sometime between December and April. March is a particularly good time to visit as the winds have died down and the water is crystal clear. The park is closed from May to November.
There are a few tents and bungalows on some of the islands. They are government run, and you'll need to reserve them in advance. Many divers will simply take day trips, or sleep on board boats. There are several organized tour and boat options available out of Phuket, Khao Lak and Ranong. Both areas will likely offer day trips and live-aboard cruises. These cruises typically start at four days and 4 nights, but shorter trips are available. There is an entry fee to the park, along with a daily usage fee for those spending multiple days in the park. This fee is paid to your driver before the trip.
Singapore
Singapore is a city-state that was originally founded in 1819 as a British trading colony. Today it is a very international country that is incredibly modern and cosmopolitan. There is a strong financial industry in this country, and a correspondingly strong work ethic. It is one of the most prosperous cities in the world, and has one of the world's busiest ports.
Which city is cheaper, Singapore or Similan Islands?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Similan Islands is $162, while the average daily cost in Singapore is $119. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Similan Islands and Singapore in more detail.
Accommodation
Travelers usually pay around $120 for a double occupancy room in Similan Islands If you want to be in a premiere location or have high end amenities, you can expect to pay a bit more.
If you're traveling alone, you may be able to find a budget hotel or hostel for around $76. But for two people in a standard two-person hotel room in Singapore the cost is $152 on average.
Food
On average, meal and food prices in Similan Islands cost around $32 per person, per day. While this price can vary widely by location, the type of restaurant, and the amount of food ordered, a typical meal often costs around $13.
Singapore food costs typically run travelers around $22 per day. Eating every meal in a nicer restaurant will drive the cost up, and grabbing fast food or casual meals will help you save money.
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Food
Meals for one day
Similan Islands $32
Singapore $22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Similan Islands
For Similan Islands, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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Thai Akha Kitchen Cooking Class & Local Market Tour:
$23
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Tom Yum Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai:
$23
-
Asia Scenic Thai Cooking Class:
$25
-
Siamese Cookery House Thai Cooking Class in Bangkok:
$26
-
InFusion Cooking Classes in Koh Samui:
$26
-
Sompong Thai Cooking Class:
$27
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Galangal Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai:
$28
-
Lanna Smile Thai Cooking Class in Chiang Mai:
$29
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Pum Thai Cooking Class in Patong Beach:
$31
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Chocolate Cooking Class at SO Sofitel Bangkok:
$31
-
Thai Cooking Course Hua Hin:
$31
-
Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy:
$31
Typical Food prices in Singapore
Some typical examples of dining costs in Singapore are as follows:
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Breakfast
$4.54
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Sugarcane Juice
$1.49
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Singapore
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Singapore.
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Half-Day Walking and Food Tour in Singapur:
$28
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Dinner Only at Singapore Flyer:
$28
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Authentic Chinese Dim Sum Virtual Cooking Class Live from Singapore:
$35
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Israeli Breakfast Virtual Cooking Class Live from Singapore:
$35
-
UNESCO Hawker Culture Food Tour: "Boiled and Braised" in Singapore:
$37
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Kampong Glam Heritage Tour and Mediterranean Dinner:
$37
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The Southern Islands: Discovery Sunset Sail with Dinner:
$45
-
Lonely Planet Experience: Hawker Centre Food Tour:
$46
-
Singapore Southern Straits Sunset Dinner Cruise:
$47
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Cooking Class & Culinary Exchange Singapore:
$51
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One Day Southern Island Exploration via Harbourfront with Seafood Dinner:
$52
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Singapore Flyer Ticket + Dinner:
$53
Local Transportation
Public transportation tends to be much less expensive in Similan Islands than paying for a taxi or private car service, as is expected. Typically, people spend $120 on transportation in Similan Islands on average per day.
While taxis and private drivers typically cost much more than public transportation, people usually spend around $8.29 per day to get around in Singapore.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Similan Islands
Also for Similan Islands, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Shared Airport Bus Transfer Phuket :
$3.09
-
Tiger Kingdom Ticket in Chiang Mai with Transfers:
$5.59
-
Private Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Transfers for Chiang Mai by TTD:
$12
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Private Krabi (KBV) or Phuket Airport Transfers (HKT) for Krabi, Phuket, and More by TTD:
$15
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Private Krabi/Phuket Airport Transfers (KBV/HKT) for Krabi & More:
$15
-
Samui Airport Transfers (USM) for Koh Samui and More:
$15
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Private City Transfers for Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Phuket, and More by TTD:
$15
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Private Chiang Mai International Airport Transfers (CNX) for Chiang Mai and More:
$16
-
Private City Transfers between Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi and Koh Lanta:
$16
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Private Suvarnabhumi Airport Transfers (BKK) for Bangkok, Pattaya, and More by Oriental Holiday:
$17
-
Private Don Mueang Airport (DMK) Transfers for Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Ayutthaya:
$18
-
Private Phuket Airport Transfers (HKT) for Phuket and Other Areas by Oriental Holiday:
$18
Typical Local Transportation prices in Singapore
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Singapore:
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Singapore
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Singapore:
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Universal Studios And Trick Eye Museum Combo Ticket With Return Transfer:
$125
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Transfer from Marina Bay Cruise Centre to Singapore Changi Airport:
$74
-
Transfer Singapore Cruise Centre To Changi Airport (Pvt):
$53
-
Transfer Marina Bay Cruise Centre To City Hotel (Pvt):
$28
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Transfer Marina Bay Cruise Centre To Changi Airport ( Pvt ):
$28
-
Transfer City Hotel To Marina Bay Cruise Centre ( Pvt ):
$28
-
Transfer City Hotel To Changi Airport (Private):
$54
-
The Creepy Tales of Singapore Ghost and WWII Tour with Point to Point Transfer:
$78
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Super Luxury Limousine Service (Rolls Royce) - Airport Transfer:
$334
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Skip the Line: VIP Tour of Universal Studios Singapore with Private Transfer:
$329
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Private Changqi Airport (SIN) Transfer to Singapore City:
$35
-
Private Airport(SIN) Transfer from Singapore City to Changqi Airport:
$33
Is it cheaper to fly into Similan Islands or Singapore?
Prices for flights to both Singapore and Similan Islands change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Entertainment
Sightseeing expenses in Similan Islands, including the cost of admission tickets for day tours, museums, and attractions, usually cost an average of $39 per day, per person.
Activities, things to do, and other forms of entertainment usually cost around $26 per person, per day in Singapore. This cost includes the price of admission tickets to attractions and museums as well as daily tours.
Tours and Activities in Similan Islands
For Similan Islands, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
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SHOCK PRICE!! Only at THB10 for Airport Rail Link (ARL) Single Journey Ticket with FREE EMS:
$0.30
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Pattaya Pipo Pony Club Admission Ticket in Pattaya:
$1.55
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Pattaya Sheep Farm Ticket:
$2.19
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Nails, Eyelash, and Waxing Beauty Experience at Ju's Nail:
$3.75
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Ramayana Water Park Ticket in Pattaya:
$3.75
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Wakeboarding Experience at Thai Wake Park in Pattaya:
$4.19
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Pong Yang Adventure Park Experience:
$4.49
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Aquaria Phuket Ticket:
$4.95
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Rejuv Salon Beauty Experiences at Sathon Bangkok:
$5.85
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Nong Nooch Tropical Garden Ticket in Pattaya:
$5.89
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Sleep Salon & Nails Experience in Bangkok:
$6.15
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Kanchanaburi Mallika City Ticket:
$6.19
Tours and Activities in Singapore
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Singapore are as follows:
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Dale Chihuly: Glass in Bloom Guided Tour:
$22
-
Deluxe Peranakan Tour with/without Full Course Peranakan Meal (Senior-Friendly):
$41
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Durians, Seafood and Fish Farm Tour :
$74
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Edible Farm Tour + Workshop & DIY Planting Kits:
$21
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Fort Canning Walking Tour and River Cruise Experience with Haidilao Hot Pot Set Meal:
$74
-
FunVee Night Sightseeing:
$16
-
Graffiti Therapy Experience in Singapore:
$33
-
New World Carnival VR Experience in Singapore:
$28
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Singapore Island Cruise: Ferry Tickets between St. John's Island, Lazarus Island, and Kusu Island, Sister's Island:
$10
-
Singapore Jurong Lake Garden and Tuas Light House Tour with Seafood Buffet:
$74
-
Singapore One Day Tour with Madame Tussauds or SEA Aquarium:
$74
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Singapore River Cruise with Seafood or Vegetarian Lunch and Chinatown Murals Tour:
$74
Alcohol
Typically, people visiting Similan Islands spend on average $8.39 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
The average person spends about $22 on alcoholic beverages in Singapore per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Sample the Local Flavors in Similan Islands
Also in Similan Islands, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
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PB Valley Vineyard and Wine Tasting Tour in Khao Yai:
$22
-
Bangkok Pub Crawl by Pub Crawls Thailand:
$22
Sample the Local Flavors in Singapore
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Singapore:
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Tiger Brewery Tour in Singapore:
$13
-
Tour of Tiger Brewery in Singapore:
$14
-
Tiger Brewery Tour:
$14
-
Singapore Pub Crawl:
$24
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β
The Singapore Halloween Pub Crawl 2019β
:
$40
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Guided Gin Tasting by Brass Lion Distillery:
$48
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Gin Distillery Tour with Tasting Flight and Singapore Sling Masterclass:
$58
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Monster Guns. Brilliant Brews (Brewery Tour) by Xperience DMC Private Limited:
$60
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Explore Brewery Culture and Tasting Tour:
$74
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Private Tour - Singapore Tiger Brewery Tour:
$83
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Singapore's First Distillery & Brewery Tour:
$123
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Similan Islands and Singapore, we can see that Similan Islands is more expensive. And not only is Singapore much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Singapore would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Singapore 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 Similan Islands would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Similan Islands than you might in Singapore.
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