3 Places to Visit in Asia on a Budget

In 2016, I had the opportunity of a lifetime to spend five months in Hong Kong to finish my last undergraduate semester. I probably spent more time at Hong Kong International Airport than the HKUST library. It was an unforgettable five months travelling to nine different countries. Here were some of the most memorable places I visited that my bank account agreed with!

THE PHILIPPINES (Cebu, Oslob, Moalboal)

Budget per Day | $70 CAD

How to Save | group travel, cooking, shop local at food markets, negotiate activities and shop around

Solo Travel | not common

Accommodations | hostel and Airbnb

Transportation | registered taxi (Cebu), bus and "truck" for hire (Oslob and Moalboal)

Suggested Duration of Stay | 5-7 days - only need one night in Cebu

Activities | beach, whale shark swimming, canyoning, rock climbing, island hopping

Technology | SIM card needed (purchase at Airport Arrivals)

An extremely budget-friendly destination with breathtaking views for days. The Philippines is a great place for group travel if you are looking to get away for a week for a relaxing, beach destination. I like to call it Bali on a budget. Though there's not much to see or do in Cebu when you first arrive, be ready for an adventure once you leave the city. Oslob and Moalboal had some of the best beach views I've ever seen in my life, and at an extremely affordable cost. There isn't a huge food scene in Oslob and Moalboal, so we ended up cooking with groceries from the local food market or purchased meals from local restaurants at tourist attractions. I typically don't like beaches, but Oslob and Moalboal had a ton of activities to keep me occupied and still enjoy some beach time.

SINGAPORE

Budget per Day | $120 CAD

How to Save | group travel, public transit, eating at hawker centres, see instead of do

Solo Travel | recommended

Accommodations | hostel and Airbnbs

Transportation | public transit (MTR), Uber, taxi

Suggested Duration of Stay | 3-4 days

Activities | hiking, eating, sightseeing, shopping, clubbing

Technology | wifi accessible, SIM card not needed

You might be surprised to see Singapore on this list of budget friendly destinations. Many aspects of Singapore are quite expensive, but it can be affordable if you make an effort. The best part of Singapore is their food and eating local is actually extremely affordable thanks to their hawker centres. My personal favourite is the Chicken Rice at Tian Tian, which set me back $3 CAD. And you also can't forget about the $1 CAD watermelon juices. You will come out of hawker centres filled to the brim for under $5 CAD. Another great thing about Singapore is that their major attractions (Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Merlion) are generally free to look at. Yes, you'll have to pay to get actually get access to the attractions...but really, it's not needed. Spending $20 to climb the bridge at Gardens by the Bay or hundreds for a one night stay at Marine Bay Sands won't make or break your trip. A lot of the appeal of Singapore is visual, and thankfully you can get most of it for free.

CAMBODIA

Budget per Day | $90 CAD

How to Save | negotiating day trips, group travel

Solo Travel | recommended

Accommodations | hotels and hostels

Transportation | tuk tuk

Suggested Duration of Stay | 4-6 days

Activities | Angkor Wat, hikes, day excursions, markets, traditional dance performances

Technology | wifi accessible, SIM card not needed

Technology | wifi accessible

Cambodia has a soft spot in my heart because it was my first solo trip. This country has a rich but also devastating history, so I do recommend spending a little more money on having an English-speaking tour guide who is knowledgeable of the land and the excursions you'll be participating in. My stay in Cambodia was only three days between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap (had to go back to exams in Hong Kong), so it did feel a little rushed but also got to see what I really went for - Angkor Wat. Your day will start bright and early at 3 a.m. but it is well worth it when you see the sunrise over the temples. As you walk through the temples, you can feel the history around you. Though filled with tourists, I recommend everyone take a moment to visit Angkor Wat and read its history in advance of the tour. The tour itself is on the pricier side, but other components of your trip will be relatively inexpensive (such as food, transportation)...so it evens itself out in the end.