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

Should you visit Singapore or Lake Tekapo?

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

Should I visit Singapore or Lake Tekapo? 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 diverse, colorful, and glitzy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Singapore attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping. See Singapore travel costs.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a remote, basic, and small town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Lake Tekapo attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Lake Tekapo travel costs.

Singapore and Lake Tekapo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Singapore or Lake Tekapo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Singapore. Although Singapore and Lake Tekapo are popular destinations, Singapore has more sights and attractions for tourists. Singapore is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Lake Tekapo attracts visitors for its hiking and small town charm. Singapore is more touristy than Lake Tekapo and is known for its blend of cultures, its lush gardens, and its clean streets. It is also well known for Merlion Park Waterfront. Lake Tekapo is famous for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky.

How is Singapore different from Lake Tekapo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Singapore or Lake Tekapo?

Singapore is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Singapore. 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.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Singapore is terrific for its restaurant scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Singapore, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Lake Tekapo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The town is very small with just a couple of restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Singapore or Lake Tekapo Better for Nightlife?

Singapore is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

Singapore has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Lake Tekapo This is a very small town and there isn't a real nightlife scene. The night sky is incredible though, and you should absolutely do some stargazing.

Is Singapore or Lake Tekapo Better for Music?

Singapore is terrific for its music scene. However, Lake Tekapo is not a live music destination.

In Singapore you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. As a globalized city, you'll find almost any type of music here. Popular music venues include Timbre, Zouk, and the Crazy Elephant.

Lake Tekapo is not a live music destination.

Is Singapore or Lake Tekapo Better for Resorts?

Singapore is terrific for its resorts. However, Lake Tekapo is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Singapore for its luxury resorts. 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.

Lake Tekapo is not a resort destination.

Is Singapore or Lake Tekapo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Singapore is not so good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lake Tekapo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Singapore isn't the best spot for snorkeling. The best place to snorkel in the area is Pulau Hantu.

Lake Tekapo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Singapore or Lake Tekapo Better for Beaches?

Singapore is a good destination for the beach. However, Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

Singapore offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

Is Singapore or Lake Tekapo Better for Hiking?

Lake Tekapo is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Singapore is not a hiking destination.

Lake Tekapo is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful hikes in the area with some of the most popular being the Mount John Summit Track, the Richmond Trail, and Cowan's Hill Walkway.

Singapore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Singapore or Lake Tekapo?

Singapore is terrific for its shopping areas. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for shopping.

Singapore is a world class destination for shoppers. You'll find tons of malls along Orchard Road, but for a more eclectic shopping experience head to the Chinatown Street Market.

Shopping in Lake Tekapo can be found for those interested. There are a couple of shops where you can pick up basic necessities.

Is Singapore or Lake Tekapo More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of superb scenery and beauty in both Singapore and Lake Tekapo.

With stunning beauty, Singapore attracts visitors from all around. It is a beautiful city with many lights and colorful neighborhoods.

Lake Tekapo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. You really want to get out of town and explore the area's stunning natural beauty.

Is Singapore or Lake Tekapo Better for Families?

Singapore is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Singapore is very family-friendly. 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.

Lake Tekapo is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy a visit to Tekapo Springs, which is particularly fun in the winter months. There's snow tubing, ice skating, and, of course, the hot pools. There are also short hikes in the area like the Mount John Summit Walk. Biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also popular in the area.

Is Singapore or Lake Tekapo Better for Couples?

Singapore is terrific for couples. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Singapore is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city has stunning hotels, amazing restaurants, and plenty of fun activities that are perfect for couples.

Lake Tekapo is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes, and the romantic hot springs. Stargazing is another popular activity in the area.

Is Singapore or Lake Tekapo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Singapore is terrific for backpackers. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Singapore is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Lake Tekapo. It's a small town with a couple of cheap places to stay that backpackers will appreciate.

Is Singapore or Lake Tekapo Better for Students?

Singapore is terrific for students. However, Lake Tekapo is not popular with students.

Singapore is a very popular place to visit for students. As such a diverse city, you'll find plenty of international students as well as expats to hang out with.

Lake Tekapo is not popular with students.

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

Singapore is terrific for its public transit. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Lake Tekapo. Public transportation in the area is very limited. If you don't have a car, you'll want to arrange tours to get out and about.

Is Singapore or Lake Tekapo a more walkable city?

Singapore is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Singapore on foot is easy. 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.

Lake Tekapo is somewhat walkable. The town is small enough to get around on foot, and you can hire a tour to get out into the region.

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

Should I spend more time in Lake Tekapo or Singapore?

How long in Singapore or Lake Tekapo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Singapore or Lake Tekapo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Singapore than Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo.

Families should spend more time in Singapore than Lake Tekapo. 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 Lake Tekapo. 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 Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo?

Singapore is a modern city where you can fill many days. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find around the town of Lake Tekapo. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lake Tekapo has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Singapore or Lake Tekapo?

Singapore is a diverse big city where you can fill many days. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find around the basic destination of Lake Tekapo. 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 Lake Tekapo?

Singapore is a colorful city where you can fill many days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the basic town of Lake Tekapo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Singapore or Lake Tekapo?

Singapore is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Lake Tekapo is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, and The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Singapore and Lake Tekapo, we can see that Singapore is more expensive. And not only is Lake Tekapo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Singapore is in Asia and Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo.

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

Which is Bigger, Singapore or Lake Tekapo?

Singapore has a larger population, and is about 10750 times larger than the population of Lake Tekapo. When comparing the sizes of Singapore and Lake Tekapo, 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.