Singapore’s CHEAPEST Hostel - $18 Per Night | How Is This Hostel Even Surviving?

[@auburncat27]

This is a very good perspective of what a hostel is like and also gives us a glimpse of the life of those who are not as fortunate as we are. Not many people are aware of this other side of Singapore and I appreciate your channel for doing this. I noticed your videos (including previous ones) showed some honest opinions/answers of the interviewees and it does allow us to understand what they're going through. I hope things will work out for the uncle, I can see he was really genuine and cared about your safety. Great job on this, and keep it up!

[@ariffnordin4481]

Can't agree more! Keep up the good work! 👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5erd5x6q7-fpLc

[@yongquanwu3921]

I guess there are different standard of hostels, maybe not in singapore or pre-covid period where people are more of short stayers and open to share their cultural diversity and experiences. All these you probably won't get to experience in hotels

[@GeorgePutong]

I'm a bit teary-eyed because this was the hostel I first stayed at almost ten years ago (March 2012). I remember it was lively and filled with backpackers. I stayed for a couple of weeks and the staff was super nice. It didn't have the pods yet (it had what I could recall were those IKEA bunks, nice addictive wood scent lol). Place was actually lovely and airy. We would even dapao from the nearby coffee shop and eat it in the common area. I have the best memories meeting new people, backpackers... that's always been my memory of this place. I was even planning to do a staycation in March to celebrate my tenth year in Singapore. Times are really tough and it breaks my heart to see how our local businesses are doing to survive. At least, somehow, this place is still a refuge, a home for those who badly need it. Thanks for doing this video and telling their story. I really hope things get better for their business, for the people currently staying there, and for everyone trying to get by. :)

[@RedPotatoSingapore]

Thanks for sharing your story.

[@okayokay433]

Was this the space pods at lavender?

[@explorewithfaheem]

Can someone help in getting a hostel in Singapore please for my relative going next week. Thanks

[@weikwanglee4383]

The IKEA descript is still there. It's just next door. Same boss, same staff.

[@kerjajaya212]

How much per night

[@svapeanormonkey7253]

I hope things work out soon for the uncle! Thanks for the glimpse into life for those figuring out their place in this world.

[@RedPotatoSingapore]

Yes I hope that all is well for uncle :)

[@brandan4375]

Thank you for shedding some light on this community that honestly wouldn’t ever had crossed my mind! Stay safe and brave :)

[@ohitsdarren]

This is so insightful! Really shows us the life of some who are not as fortunate as us. We definitely must appreciate.

[@AoiAkaio8]

I think you should blur out the name of the hostel to avoid getting them into trouble as the receptionist did mention that it's against the current covid rules and regulations to book Singaporeans in for leisure... Felt abit uncomfortable watching that part of the video. But otherwise, interesting prescriptive of hostel in Singapore!

[@ericlee9199]

Same here... Please, please dont sabo them and cause more problems for them....

[@arvinsim]

Hope he first gave them a preview of the video before she uploaded.

[@LurpakSpreadableButter]

Technically you can call it journalism, so it's technically work and not leisure

[@AoiAkaio8]

@@LurpakSpreadableButter technically she's a KZbinr. It's not first time youtuber causes trouble for the people they feature while I appreciate the content sometimes it's better to be sensitive than sorry afterwards.

[@bombbuaya]

I noticed this channel has 12.5k subscribers with 4 videos and joined in 2019! Good job! Keep it up!

[@terrol3164]

Very cool to see this side of Singapore I didn't really know about!

[@egmilkshake5310]

Very insightful! Thanks for the sharing! As a resident of Singapore, i've never seen or experienced staying in a hostel thus this video is a worthy sharing!

[@nickel-alloys]

I know this place. I’m a foreign student and when I switch my living place, there’s a 3-day’s gap between the two tenancy. So I decided to find 3 cheap hostels, to find out what hostels in SG look like. I found 3 places around the same price (~S$25), but located from Chinatown to Lavender, from west to east. The first two are pretty nice. Most of the tenants are young office workers. They’re clean and cozy. The third one at Lavender is right next to the one in the video. I’m surprised how people really treat there as a long term living place or even bead house for some elders. Things are placed on every stages of the bunker beds. Clothes and underwear are hanged everywhere. The smell was not good and the AC remote is always missing. But I am grateful how the hostel allows those people who need a home like this to stay and live in their ways. Pretty amazing experience.

[@January_CJ]

Watching this video and reading some comments makes me realised that I am lucky enough to have a home , good bosses , own room to stay although I’m just a helper here trying to survive like some people do . And I never thought that there are a lot of Singaporeans who live at hostels to hostels . But all I can say is never give up when you hit rock bottom cuz every problem is just a season - like Covid-19 it’s just here for a season and this too shall pass . ❤️

[@noriking1467]

Good to see from the perspective of businesses (that arent well known to us) on how covid might have impacted them, keep it up !

[@monicaradytiachrismawati1304]

Keep up the good content like this. Looking forward your new videos!

[@melvinzheng5401]

Love to see more videos regarding parts of Singapore that more Singaporean isn't aware off.

[@TheiPhoneCam]

I used to stay in hostels from city to city for months. You meet people from all walks of life - from people without homes to millionaires looking for an experience. The hostel in this video offers pretty good facilities, I could stay for weeks

[@ribofen]

Very brave, and good that you chose safety over content and what else. Good look into a lesser known part of Singapore.

[@sambalgoreng]

yesss!! good thing u listened to the receptionist

[@RedPotatoSingapore]

Thank you!!

[@sambalgoreng]

wow! love allll your vids! super real n authentic, only wish u posted more often hahaha

[@wildatheart7575]

If you are not suppose to stay here and the reception was kind to assist you, by posting this video might give problem to them. What you did is just so irresponsible.

[@shukailu6731]

Underrated channel!

[@MuhammadGabriell]

This is the first video I watched from this channel. Love it so much - quality stuff. Subscribed right away.

[@pumpkinloves]

Thank you for sharing and unraveling stories about different parts of Singapore that majority of us wouldn't know. Thanks for letting us live vicariously through your videos! :)

[@mutiararosalinajewondari6320]

I had experience to stay in this hostel in 2013. This place was so worth it. It is the cheapest hostel I could find that time with suprisingly has clean room, helpful and friendly staffs, and good facilities. Many backpackers around the world stayed in here too, I really enjoyed my first time traveling to Singapore with my friends. Thanks to this remarkable hostel ♥️

[@meowoffy]

This is probably the best Singaporean content out here on KZbin. Keep grinding! :)

[@Harry-fu5di]

Wow got a really different and realistic view for these hostels.Thanks for making such videos hope you will come up with such nice and innovative videos in future

[@joylot729]

Very nice to see your video. Cheers from Manado, Indonesia.

[@HulkVahkiin]

Very interesting experience, wasn't expecting the hostel to be using pods.

[@benjaminong9854]

Honestly the pod itself look so comfortable and cosy to sleeep in

[@saintdagon2347]

Good series , kudos to you! And you are pretty 😊

[@IanAlwaysLearning]

Interesting and insightful content! Thank you for visiting a hostel in Singapore even thought of that little risks!

[@jauipop]

This is more about the social situation in Singapore (even south East asia) vs the actual hostel situation. Especially the whole “Indian men are bad” stereotype. Surprised those pods couldn’t lock from the inside.

[@nmz.88]

Such a nice receptionist! Kudos on the video btw!

[@zendude123]

KZbin brought me here. Your real life content is fascinating! Keep up the great work 👍

[@pimchanoktippayawong9441]

Quality content again! I'm not Singaporean but I enjoy all of your contents.

[@RedPotatoSingapore]

Thank you so much 🙏

[@leonardlim453]

This is still not the worst one. I was carrying the "SGD to MYR" dreams, carrying only RM200 in my pocket 10 years ago. I end up not able to get a job in Singapore, but my hometown is so far. I headed back to JB, slept in a motel at Jalan Wong Ah Fook for only RM20 per night. It's like a brothel more than a motel. The after business stains are still on the bed, but without any choices I slept on it. Thinking back, it gives me goosebumps. The good ol' days of being fearless.

[@etphonehome6950]

Hope you are in a better situation now!

[@elbowstancenow1519]

I had similar experience. Hope you have a better life now.

[@jasonbourne6531]

Same bro.. for some reason. Malaysian first time coming to SG are fearless.. probably because of our age 😆

[@pheunthai]

Malaysians are fearless and hardworking! They are willing to work hard to earn a good livelihood. As a Singaporean, I wish our pampered and spoilt locals show that kind of drive. Local Singaporeans just want easy work and good pay, and sadly, our discrimatory hiring policies let them get away with it.

[@Kimtesfaye]

@@pheunthai? Singaporeans don’t deserve to get a job here or what😂

[@adityajain2839]

Wow, thank you for making this video. In all the lights and buzz of modern singapore, somehow these matters are never talked about. I didn't even know hostels existed! Great work with the channel, I've loved all your videos.

[@crystalpamela7665]

Thank you for sharing. It is very informative. Very thankful that they are still such hostel around to help people who needed a place to stay for temporary lodging 👍

[@13102008SL]

Another awesome video again!

[@rijutruthwarrior1128]

This is a very nice hostel. Some people like to stay near downtown workplaces and dont want to travel. Some have family issues and some have friends nearby like your roomie. Yes a lot of daily transit passengers use hostel and singaporeans are not allowed to stay for leisure. You should have blurred the name of the hostel as they are not suppose to check you in. Its been a real bad time for such small businesses with no travellers to Singapore and we should support them.

[@anferneec]

This was a really interesting look into the impact of COVID on hostels in Singapore. Would never have known about that law/rule that hostels shouldn't allow locals to stay in hostels for leisure stays if it wasn't for this video. I felt sad hearing your bed-mate's story and I hope he has resolved things with his family too. Also, I just wanted to say your youtube videos are fantastic. I like that you present different parts of Singapore's life, people, and culture in a way that's really fun and engaging. Thank you for sharing a piece of Singapore with us, and taking us on your journey as a Creator. Keep going!

[@allenramosvoldengillagemas1673]

Just came across your videos and channel. Really love and enjoy what you're doing. Keep up the good job sis!!

[@p01104]

its a very interesting video but I can't help to be concerned about how this will affect the hostel. According to what the reception said, they were not supposed to house locals for leisure but they still allowed you to check in which is a violation of the rules.. they also seem to help out a lot of people who really needs a place to stay..

[@RedPotatoSingapore]

Hi thanks for the feedback! I’ll blurred out the name of the hostel.

[@jasonbourne6531]

There are many locals that dont have a home, due to family issues, e.g wife kick the man out and no money to stay in hotel. Hostel is the cheapest they can afford... If gov clamp this down.. then they are not helping local too..

[@DrChanIMH]

No la more like indirectly saying not a safe place for XMM to stay

[@weikwanglee4383]

Chill. The hostel & its operations is known to the nearby MSF office next to C. C. at Lavendar, MSF send Singaporeans there..

[@UmakantMishra]

Very interesting video. Learnt a lot through your experience. Big like.

[@mikefooyc8237]

Staying in a hostel affords you to get to know your neighbors, make new friends and meet people from all walks of life. A hotel is quite sterile where you basically shut yourself in. Hotel rooms in sg are quite small in general. Whenever I'm travelling alone especially in safer cities, I'd much prefer hostels where I could use the common areas. At the end of the day, I just need a bed to lay my weary head. Since most hostels are based in shoplots, street parking is easy.

[@23mjdude]

Another good quality video with great insights.

[@mishzguafa]

Before COVID hits, I stayed at the "Lub D Hostel" in Siem Reap, Cambodia...and that was probably the best hostel with pool, bar, cafe, lounge area, etc. The shared room equipped with its own door card key only given to the guest staying inside the room. Other guest won't be able to enter it. Very safe and cosy 6pax room. Sharing bathroom and toilet are clean and spacious. Since it was my first experience sharing the room with other travellers (male + female), I only stayed less than 2 hours in the sharing room :D :D I love my privacy so much and decided to upgrade to queen size room all alone.

[@darkless60]

Yeah you really get what you pay for! If you book a sketchy cheap hotel like the one in the video, it'd obviously be terrible. If you spend $50 a night on SG's hostels you'll see a huge difference :)

[@jasmine.c2064]

During the first lockdown, the ex company’s fw who cant go back to their dorm had to be place in hotel to QO for 4 weeks. We shifted them to hostel afterwards till earlier this year. It only cost $21 a bed for per day for a shared room. They even include simple breakfast, aircon and wifi. When we fetch our worker to work, we met many malaysian and other wp workers who stayed there for the same reason.

[@stephaniechang4371]

I used to stay in hostels sometimes back before Covid-19 just for leisure. I think it depends on which hostels you go to. Back then there were a lot more tourists and you could meet people from different countries who are backpacking, chill at the rooftop, and just feel like you’re overseas. I guess now since there are not many tourists and the clientele becomes quite different, it’s not as fun anymore. The places can also become more cluttered because people are doing more long term stays instead of short term

[@rz9018]

Spg alert

[@bookersee9130]

@@rz9018 🤣🤣

[@stephaniechang4371]

@@rz9018 lol. My husband is Singaporean chinese

[@jokerean]

wow you are very brave for the sake of interviewing/ experience pls take care and stay safe, cant wait to see more of ur contents!

[@outlilei]

The content is very good ! Looking forward more of your vlog in the future!

[@RedPotatoSingapore]

Thank you!!

[@weixiongchng7629]

hey this is a nice investigative videos of what goes behind the scene of cheap hostel. thanks for sharing

[@neotheek]

Please upload more videos and I have a lot of brilliant suggestions for upcoming videos, so where can I submit it to you? ☺️☺️☺️

[@RedPotatoSingapore]

You can email me at [e-mail]

[@ashonthenet]

This was very eye opening for many I'm sure. Thank you for the work done.

[@ravisai838]

It is like really seeing amazing webseries

[@darkless60]

As a Singaporean who's backpacked across many 15+ other countries, this hostel was similar with my other experiences and what other's above have commented. The more dollars you shave off by booking sketchy cheap hostels, the fewer the creature comforts and cleanliness you'll see. But in return, you'll meet people from all walks of life, from younger student tourists, to those searching for jobs, in this case, people who can't live at home. In all my years of travels, as long as you lock up your valuables, you'll never have anything stolen. These are people in similar situations, away from home, they won't be thieves. Most hostels have adequate security protection too if you're adventurous, I highly recommend roughing it out at least once in your life. It truly is eye opening and interesting to hear of their backgrounds and their travels. You don't even have to be young; the oldest person I met was an 75y/o Canadian dude in Mumbai who I taught how to use an Android phone :)

[@masrudyn]

Wow...never knew about this in Singapore...thank you for sharing this on your channel. So interesting 👍👍👍

[@bukancalonpns]

Before pandemic, I believe adding $3-5 will get a decent hostel. Hope the best for that uncle.

[@Krtkrtkk]

Always love your videos. Keep up the good work!

[@brownbear6035]

Great content. Hope you will be uploading more videos soon!

[@pmkrock]

I don't know how I stumbled upon this video, but thank you to Ms. Red Potato Singapore for making this video. I've visited Singapore numerous times and have always felt this weird vibe of the Chinese people "tolerating" Indians. It was quite shocking because I made plenty of friends from China in the USA, and while they had certain stereotypes of India such as the country being dirty, unsafe for women, Bollywood dance etc., it was curiosity at best and mockery at worst. I've spoken to friends from India who work in Singapore, and they felt that the local Chinese resented Indians and had this tendency to view Indians as "uncivilized" and "animal-like." Now I'm not saying this is true of all locals, but it was certainly something that seemed to pervade the air. I did meet quite a few sweet and polite locals such as the only taxi driver till date who has collected money less than the fare (never seen this anywhere in the world, let alone India!), a sweet-shop owner at the airport and a gentleman attendant at an amusement park. But I did receive odd glances and grimaces and did notice a woman literally get up and stand when I sat next to her on the subway. Having spent time in the US with Chinese people from the Mainland, I can tell with confidence that our cultures are very similar and are amongst the easiest ethnicities to get along with it. I hope the locals can get along more nicely since I personally love the infrastructure and the convenience Singapore has to offer, and a more cohesive atmosphere can serve the city better. Cheers!

[@mikethm1974]

That is because you are a visitor and has different habits from locals. Even non Singaporean Chinese are just tolerated. Isn't it a fact that this happen everywhere in the world? Maybe it is because you think that there are plenty of Indians in Singapore then we can't tell the difference between a local Indian and an India Indian? Sorry to burst your bubble, local Indians are one of us and you are not. As a foreigner, you can't expect to be treated like family. A guest yes. Family no. There was this incident where a China Chinese family complained about curry cooking smell from their local Indian neighbor, I can tell you that regardless of race, Singaporeans were overwhelming on the side of our ethnic Indian bros. You "suffered" from being "tolerated" not coz of your race, it is because you are a foreigner and just a guest... so don't be naive and think that there are plenty of local Indians, we will treat you the same way we treat our own.

[@pmkrock]

@@mikethm1974 lol bro take a chill pill and pls read what I wrote before you get so angry! I only said I've visited as a tourist and not "worked." So the whole local vs foreigner is bs. My incidents of casual racism and weirdness were at the subway and the bus and a general coldness that I felt. I also have heard about folks from China do get discriminated, which surprises me and makes me feel like there are some undercurrents of deep seated insecurity. And just FYI man Singapore is such a highly mobile place with soooo many immigrants who've just arrived or have a parent who's just arrived. At the tech fair I was at, I could clearly sense that many of the people were immigrants from China given their accent. There were also these service workers who didn't know good English (and were the nicest) and were obviously immigrants. So your premise of a "local" vs foreigner is quite thin and dynamic esp. given the vast diaspora your country has. (My dad's friends kids have also left for the USA). Anyway these were my 2 cents that I observed during my visit and won't be commenting further. I should note that I generally enjoyed the ease of access infrastructure, food and the warmth of most people who I met during my trips. Peace ✌️

[@mikethm1974]

@@pmkrock What I can say is that it is not about race and therefore isn't racism.

[@terminatorfluffywooo]

Hmm yeah - I'm Indian-American and Singapore did have a super weird relationship with Indian people. Never felt anything like that in the US (esp California). I feel like it was almost a disadvantage being Indian in Singapore because Indian people had such a reputation. I honestly felt better in Japan and Korea - despite both having a reputation of being super xenophobic. Guess there weren't enough Indian people in those countries to form stereotypes. I also think it's a class issue - looks like Indians in Singapore are split across the Socioeconomic spectrum while we're generally pretty wealthy in the US. Lastly - I honestly felt like Mainland Chinese in Singapore were much more open minded than the Singaporean Chinese I've met.

[@pmkrock]

@@terminatorfluffywooo yes that’s the vibe I’ve felt too. Reputation matters a ton. For instance Saudis again seem to have a general arrogance while talking with us and across the border in Amman, Jordan we’ve met the friendliest people anywhere! Amazing Arab hospitality and the most gracious people. In Saudi it’s again poorer Indian folks working in construction and in Jordan it’s usually professionals. And to be fair, I think Indians have a pretty bad attitude to people who are poorer than them. I think we have a long way to go with casteism sexism etc.

[@CyberMew]

thanks a lot for sharing! very interesting experience/point of view!

[@mrchicken5161]

I really enjoy watching your videos. So much of content and it shows us another side of Singapore!! Looking forward for your new videos! ☺️☺️

[@marcuskwek3832]

Love your videos, Red potato!

[@Ethan-kw6zf]

One of my favourite up and coming Sg channels! Also, SA boleh 😂

[@mingjietan113]

love your content and insights. make me realise many things i dont see in my daily life

[@frostbitepokin9520]

Loved the talk with your “roommate” seems like a nice guy

[@tengping2002]

You are so brave to go explore alone.

[@yumiseetheworld2843]

I’ve been there before, I’m tourist. Nice staff and good location. Easy to connect to Changi airport. After pandemic done I’ll be back Singapore definitely !!❤️❤️ # love your video : )

[@alvinterence]

what a brave thing to do! quite an adventure eh haha.

[@lolallah3311]

present zeh zeh very cute.

[@justwalk-travelasmrchannel1630]

another friend right here! Happy to see another good channel!

[@celestialstar124]

Interesting topic. Thanks for the content on this video

[@mimib1142]

A commendable and brave attempt for a young lady.

[@weesiangtay9301]

Good quality video as always. Times are tough, hope things get better for them

[@davidlomas9195]

Hi i am new to your channel great blog looking forward to the next one.Love Singapore.

[@The88LA]

great vid - really enjoyed the soundtract/background muscic too - kind of tech like! could you share the song title?

[@queirtus]

maybe you shud blur out the hostel address and location to protect the privacy of the business and its occupants

[@NormieWS333]

You're so brave sia. Glad you didnt spend a night there

[@ownthegame3]

a good video on an interesting subject showing a different perspective of Singapore. u are really brave to check into the hostel and interview the stayer and receptionist.

[@Qasim19841984]

I am looking for a hotel on Agoda for this 21 Jan to 24, but your video guides me a lot in finding the most economical hotel. Big thanks for the such a helping video.

[@spidermancrawlingtheweb]

Wow that's some exposure of another type of life in Singapore that we need to see! Hope you make more meaningful videos like this more frequently! If need help video-ing on Sundays (only free on Sunday lol) can always dm me 😉

[@whatthefewd]

Keep up the good content!

[@warriorore]

keep up the good content !!!

[@MrElfblade]

I've never stayed in a hostel myself. Very interesting content and good insight on how staying in a hostel feels like.

[@mynameisltac]

Great content! Liking this raw, unbiased view of a different perspective in Singapore..

[@kiansoon2916]

Well done .. thank you for sharing. Never knew such facility exist in Singapore

[@sevenhuang7777]

A good video, keep it up ! 👏👏👍👍

[@Sonny123ish]

Love your KZbin channel!!

[@bagaskararikopangestu6627]

Thank you for the video. Your video gave to me so much information about Singapore. Maybe, next video you can tell us how we (stranger) rent HDB, Condo, etc. Like if you want rent the HDB, you should install application bla bla.... Yeah just like that

[@JS-ev4xc]

It is an area that locals will seldom encounter, thank you for the info. We must learn to be thankful...

[@notrecklesss453]

There’s one in Little India which I saw for $16/night

[@ourlifeingeneral25]

Thanks for putting yourself in the situation and showing us all how it is like from the inside! Safety is no joke!

[@tiadanama1998]

I stayed here once years ago wow still going strong. Will revisit after borders open

[@Mrcustomwerkz]

Nicely covered! Keep it up!

[@TYMATE]

Very brave and interesting insights!

[@limjialiang4858]

Great video

[@ReviewMedic]

Oh my, this is such an interesting video. How long did it take you to edit the video?

[@kahellsilva]

great content, keep it up!

[@Rzrizaldy]

In Indonesia there's pod chain called Bobobox, priced around sgd 10 per night is much cleaner than this Also the cheapest hostel I ever stayed is in Ho Chi Minh, priced only SGD 6-7

[@wandercrystal]

Different cost of living and price parity between countries.

[@vashwinisilva1102]

Wow never knew this type of hostels existed. Is there really such a law that locals cannot stay in a hostel ? I think the receptionist said that for your own safety.

[@AtlanteanAngel]

"Except with the written approval of MTI, hostels must not allocate accommodation (i.e. accept bookings) to any individual for the purposes of leisure (e.g. staycation) ; such permission may only be granted in respect of private ensuite rooms only." Google this statement for source pdf file

[@sytsmr]

Damn I remember staying in Traveller@SG (Idk if this was the Lavender branch), but the rooms look different now. I think that was way back 2013 lol