Compact yet fully equipped – an affordable inn in Singapore’s bustling downtown

Text & Photos byXiao Sheng

In land-scarce, densely populated, and high-cost Singapore, finding cheap accommodation can be quite challenging. However, as an international metropolis with a thriving tourism industry, Singapore offers no shortage of hostels catering to backpackers. As a solo traveler, staying at a hostel helps save on costs and allows for interaction with people from around the world. On this trip, I found a great hostel in the heart of the city’s Chinatown district – Fern Loft – which I’d like to introduce to everyone.


Fern Loft is located on Banda St., near Chinatown. Besides being close to Chinatown itself, it’s also just a short walk from the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice. The location is excellent. However, the hostel is tucked away on the second floor of a building, with the ground floor occupied by rows of miscellaneous goods stalls and a acupuncture clinic on the second floor. At first glance, I was a bit skeptical about how a hostel could fit into such a cramped space, but in the midst of Singapore’s bustling downtown, it suddenly made sense.




Due to the limited space, there’s no extra room inside the hostel, so simple tables, chairs, and decorations are placed outside. Backpackers staying here gather to use the internet, play with their phones, or chat with one another. Sitting outside and watching the bustling crowd go by is quite a unique experience.


Fern Loft has only two rooms – one 12-person dormitory and another 6-person female-only dormitory. The price is just 22 Singapore dollars, while the female dorm is 25 Singapore dollars. This is very affordable considering the location in Singapore’s downtown area. The cheapest hostel I’ve seen in Singapore is 18 Singapore dollars. However, due to the limited number of beds, it’s often fully booked, so it’s best to reserve online in advance. Additionally, Fern Loft has another branch in Singapore, as well as locations in Malacca and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, all at reasonable prices. Aside from accommodation, Fern Loft can also help book tickets to many attractions, though I didn’t look into whether tickets purchased through them are cheaper.




Upon entering the hostel, the left side is just this spacious. On the left are two shower rooms. Since the accommodation includes a simple breakfast, the kitchen counter is set up outside the bathrooms, making full use of every inch of space. The breakfast includes simple toast, jam, and coffee – not bad for a budget hostel that still provides breakfast.


The hostel is not large, and Fern Loft only has two rooms. Although it’s a 12-person dormitory, it doesn’t feel overly crowded. The room is air-conditioned, making it fairly comfortable. Entry and exit during the night require card access, and each room has lockers to secure valuables, adding an extra layer of safety. Free Wi-Fi is also available. Though small, this hostel truly has everything you need and is quite pleasant to stay in.

For solo backpackers in Singapore, accommodation prices tend to be on the higher side, but there are still plenty of affordable hostels to choose from. During my trip, I stayed at two hostels in Singapore, but I found this one to have a better location. If you’re visiting Chinatown and want to stay in a centrally located hostel, give Fern Loft a try for a night.


【Fern Loft @ Chinatown】

Address:5, Banda St., Singapore 050005
Phone: (+65) 6323 3221
Website:http://fernloft.com/

Xiao Sheng’s Wandering Journeyhttp://rt009211.pixnet.net/blog
Every journey, every trip is a quest. Though I’m not entirely sure what I’m searching for, what I gain in the end always exceeds my expectations. So, my wandering journey will continue unabated.