Things To Do in Little India Singapore + BUNC Hostel

April 13, 2017

Whenever in Singapore, it's already automatic that I book for a hostel in Chinatown. They have anything and everything that I need--from cultural museums, cheap local foods, accessible mode of transportation, huge market place for shopping, etcetera.

But during my 10-day trip to SG late last month, my friends and I stayed Little India. I actually enjoyed the fresh change, this area is a feast to all five senses! If ever I go back to Singapore, will make sure to stay here again.

So we were booked for two nights in Bunc Hostel along Upper Weld Road. It's nearer Rochor Station, but also walking distance from Little India Station (about 10-minute walk).

Unlike other hostels and guest houses I've been to, Bunc Hostel is HUGE. They have elevators so you don't have to carry your bags to your room (a trouble to those who have big luggages), and two common areas where you can eat, socialize, or even work.

Let me take you to a tour around this hostel:

As you enter, you will immediately see some of the checked in guests using the free computers with internet:

You check-in here, get your free local sim card, and rent towels if needed. In Manila, check-in is at 2pm, but for Singapore it's usually at around 3pm already. We got there a bit early, but we were told that we can just leave our luggages at their storage room so we can start on our day's itinerary already. Super convenient!

A quirky wall at Bunc Hostel's lobby: Tips, trivia, and Instax prints of past guests.

These jars near the reception area holds traditional toys from Singapore like marbles, Chinese jackstone, etc. Cute!

Free for all: Books and game boards:

The looong dining area where guests have their free breakfast (usual bread and spread, cereals, and coffee or tea). We also had our midnight snacks here, or refill our water bottles daily in the hote-cold water dispenser to save a few bucks.

Of course, like in any other hostels, you have to clean as you go!

Here's the other common room, but it's not air conditioned (hehe). It's also the area for the laundry (coins), more water dispenser and microwave, and a lounge / movie section.

Here's how our room looks like! It has three double-deckers with six beds ($24 SGD to $44 SGD / night / head). We were the only ones staying in this room so yey!

Trying out the top bunk, hehe! Btw, aircon is open only from 6pm to 9am or 10am (?), take note! But an electric fan will automatically open for the rest of the day, if you're staying in...

View from top, haha! Hi Pax!!!

I actually stayed in this lower bunk, hehe. 😊 My own little private corner!

In your own space, you will have your comfortable bed with clean Duvet sheets and two pillows, adjustable LED reading light, individual socket (bring extension cords if you're charging lots of gadgets like me!), baggage lockers, and my favorite: this ledge where I place my personal items. I'd say, even if I was traveling solo and on a budget, I'd prefer Bunc Hostel. Btw, restrooms are common but men and women are separate. Plus, they're always clean and dry!

To see more of the room types in Bunc Hostel, check out THIS PAGE.

Now what to do around Little India?

1) Visit the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, House of Tan Teng Niah (in photo above), Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, and the Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple.

2) Shop at the 24-hour Mustafa Centre.

3) Enjoy some authentic Indian vegetarian dishes.

4) Buy legit Indian souvenirs, from clothing to home displays.

5) Have a photo walk around Little India Arts Belt.

During our first day in Bunc Hostel, Tracy and I just walked around our "neighborhood" for a good 30-40 minutes before hopping in the subway. You can't help but be enticed by the magical colors of Little India.

My vegetarian heart is happy!

Too much IG corners, quotang-quota ako that day!

The streets remind me so much of artsy Perak in Malaysia (they even have a street named after this city). Colorful houses, wall arts, parks with multi colored cows... Indian cuisine hawkers, and a street lined with Indian cloth, bags, rugs, garlands, and other souvenirs. This place makes me want to book for a trip to India, stat!