I stayed in a Backpacker Hostel in Singapore City and here's what happened

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Coffee on tap, capsule pods that block every hint of light, and a five-minute stroll to Tiong Bahru Bakery—that’s Coller Boutique Hostel in a nutshell.

It nailed my two non-negotiables: safety and solid sleep. 

A couple of board-game nights later, the place felt less like a booking and more like home for social backpackers.

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Location – Heritage Hood, Easy MRT

Coller sits on Tiong Bahru Road, inside a restored 1950s shophouse five minutes from Outram Park MRT (green and purple lines).

Two stops to Chinatown, quick trains to Marina Bay, and plenty of buses if you miss the last metro.

The neighborhood is leafy and low-rise, which keeps nights quiet. Streetlights stay bright, and late runs to the 24-hour bakery felt safe, even when walking alone.

Social Vibes – Chill Lounge, Coffee-Geek Crowd

The lobby doubles as a tiny gallery—retro tiles, rattan chairs, and a self-serve cold-brew tap that sparks conversation.

Staff host weekly “kopi crawls” through Tiong Bahru’s indie cafés, plus board-game nights in the attic lounge.

I met a design student and a surf instructor over card games, and we ended up sharing satay at Lau Pa Sat. Social, but never pushy—think café chatter, not bar-crawl chaos.

Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Singapore City

1. The InnCrowd Backpackers Hostel 1 - best for Solo Traveller
2. A Travellers Rest-Stop
3. Betel Box Backpackers Hostel - best for Beach Lovers Retreat, Party Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
4. HI - Hangout at Mt. Emily Hostel
5. Hostel One66

The InnCrowd Backpackers Hostel 1

9.2

Little India

"…Best hostel in Singapore, if not the region, I reckon. I love the area in which it's located, the more

A Travellers Rest-Stop

9.1

"GREAT PLACE! One of the best hostels I stayed in. The rooms as well as the hostel are pretty clean more

Betel Box Backpackers Hostel

8.7

"…It's marvelous. What more one can expect at SGD18? Again, I will repeat my stay in Betel Box in more

from

$13.18

HI - Hangout at Mt. Emily Hostel

9.1

"…The receptionist was very courtesy, helpful and always had smile. It's my favorite place - This is more

Hostel One66

8.9

"…Not having much chance to meet Yang (the owner). Not his fault since we are out all the time. But more

Rooms – Capsule Pods Done Right

• Mixed and female-only dorms (6–14 beds) plus a few private rooms.
• Pods with blackout curtain, reading light, universal outlet, and shelf.
• Air-con 24/7, tuned to “cool but no hoodie.”
• Under-bunk locker fits a 45-L pack; bring a padlock.
• Shared bathrooms: rain showers, hair-dryers, free body wash.

Amenities – Everything You Need, Nothing You Don’t

• Fast Wi-Fi on all floors—Zoom held steady.
• Guest kitchen with fridge, microwave, toaster, basic cookware.
• Unlimited filtered water, coffee, and tea.
• Coin laundry with detergent dispenser.
• Attic lounge with Netflix projector and beanbags.
• Key-card access to building and dorms.
• Luggage storage for early check-ins and late departures.

Safety – Locks, Cameras, Friendly Eyes

Key-cards guard every door, CCTV covers halls, and reception flanks the only entrance. Staff learn names fast and notice if someone new wanders in. Quiet streets, but enough cafés and apartments nearby keep nighttime walks comfortable.

Price

Beds land in Singapore’s mid-range capsule bracket. The rate covers Wi-Fi, linens, coffee, and locker use but not towels or laundry tokens. Weekly activities run on donations, avoiding surprise fees. For shophouse charm and MRT access, the price felt fair.

Final Verdict

Score: 8.7 / 10. Coller Boutique Hostel blends design-mag looks with backpacker basics—capsule privacy, quick friendships, and a calm neighborhood still close to the action.

If you prefer latte chats over loud beats, value real sleep, and enjoy meeting travelers without forced fun, this place delivers. I left with new contacts and zero complaints about the showers.

Pro tip: Book an upper-floor pod for quieter mornings and faster access to the attic movie nights. Weekends sell out quick.

Backpacking Singapore City? Here’s What You Need to Know

These are the guides I wish I had before visiting. I’ve been there, had fun, did some minor mistakes, and now I’m passing the best tips on to you. Safe travels!

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About the author: Nour De Wilde Salhab

A Lebanese-Congolese-French-Belgian girl as likely to be found climbing a volcano in Indonesia or reading a sci-fi book by the sea in the South of France. Always on the hunt for remarkable experiences. My two favorites so far: volunteering in emergency medical services in Lebanon and solo backpacking around the world. Life is enjoyable in all its facets, from its healthy extremes to its mundane slows.