Singapore: Port by Quarters Hostel

View from the Port by Quarters backpacker hostel.

Once you go private cube, I don't think you can go back.
A queen cube at the Port by Quarters Hostel was the perfect selection for my first visit to Singapore City.

A review of my first experience in cube/ pod accommodation, plus information regarding the Port by Quarters hostel in Boat Quay and how to travel there via MRT from Changi Airport.

MY EXPERIENCE

When checking-in I was happily surprised by the receptionist with a free upgrade to a Queen cube. I had only booked a queen for my last night, so I'd have extra space the night before I flew to Laos, however, the staff were gracious enough to provide me with a queen cube for my entire stay.

​The hostel was modern, secure and clean, with the bonus of breakfast provided in the morning.

Inside the room, (located up stairs on the second floor) the cube was comfy and the linen soft. The privacy curtain was a welcome addition and 4 international power points were inside the cube (I guess that single cubes would have 2) as well as a personal light, fold-down table and tiny clothes rack.

My queen cube (top bunk).

I of course hit my head and my arms a couple of times on the wall and ceiling while moving around, but I think that is more my issue than the cubes fault. Considering I booked a pod, the area was quite spacious and I was well impressed.

​Once you go private cube, I don't think you can go back. A queen cube at the Port by Quarters Hostel was the perfect selection for my first visit to Singapore City. Especially since I spent most of day 2 in bed nursing a hangover and hiding from the world with the curtain down, after locking myself out of the hostel on night 1.

QUEEN CUBE FEATURES:

• Plenty of space for one person to spread out, or would easily fit a couple.
• 850 thread count sheets.
• 4 International power points per cube - no adapters needed,
• Personal light.
• Fold down laptop table.
• 2 coat-hangers and a small clothes rack/ my secondary handle for getting down off the top bunk.
• Personal pull-down privacy curtain.
• Huge personal, secure storage locker under the bed (big enough to fit a suitcase and on-board luggage.)

View from the dorm window.

The large 16 bed (queen sized cube) dorm.

Queen Cube ROOM FEATURES:

• 16 beds.
• Singapore River view.
• Modern Design.
• Full-length mirrors.
• Hooks for larger items/ coats or bath towels.
• Air-conditioning.

Gorgeous view from the reception/ common room. Perfect for sitting down, having breakfast and planning what to do in Singapore.

The artwork on the reception/ common room wall.

HOSTEL FEATURES:

• Free WiFi.
• Free Breakfast.
• Computer available.
• Secure key-card entry into building, dorms and lockers.

        (So secure that I locked myself out and couldn't get back inside,)

• Hot showers.
• Common room.
• Fridge access.
• Vending machines.
• Tea & Coffee making facilities.
• Laundry facilities.
• Like most homes in Asia, on arrival at the hostel, it is custom to remove your shoes. Shoe boxes and shoe racks are provided in the hallway.

Secure front, single doorway entrance located at number 50 Boat Quay.

The Prince of Wales Backpacker Pub. Next door to the Port by Quarters.

HOSTEL ATMOSPHERE:

All of the guests were friendly, and the staff were very helpful, however, because each bed's main feature is privacy, the vibe of this hostel is not very upbeat and it was a very quiet place to stay.

​I did meet a lot of people next door at the Prince of Wales Backpacker Pub, and the atmosphere there is great. Alcohol in Singapore can be expensive, and the Prince of Wales has great drink specials which always attracted a crowd. Backpackers, students, expats and locals alike - this balanced, as when quiet time was needed, I could achieve a good sleep and when I wanted to socialise, all I had to do is walk downstairs.

Outside of Port by Quarters, Boat Quay.

Merlion Park.

Port by Quarters, situated along Boat Quay.

HOSTEL LOCATION:

I loved the location of The Port by Quarters. The hostel is perfectly situated along the Singapore River, in bustling Boat Quay and is surrounded by many restaurants, bars and activities.

There is a backpacker pub located right next door that has great drink specials throughout the week and also a 24 hour 7/11 around the corner, which always comes in handy at some point. 

The area has a fantastic view of Marina Bay Sands and it is a 30-40 minute, scenic walk along the river and across the bridge to Gardens by the Bay (or a quick water taxi across). River cruises can conveniently be booked just outside the hostel and Clarke Quay and Chinatown is a 15-minute walk away.

Colourful Clarke Quay is only a short walk along the river.

Clear signage on the MRT, on my way Raffles Place Station.

ARRIVING FROM CHANGI AIRPORT VIA MRT TO RUFFLES PLACE:

Navigating my way to the hostel from Singapore Changi Airport by public transport was easy. The smoothest train self-transfer I have found in any city.

​On arrival at Changi Airport terminal 3, I followed clearly labelled signs for the Skytrain transfer to terminal 1. The MRT train system is accessible from terminal 1. After one simple transfer at Tanah Merah, Ruffles Place station is only a 20 minute, clearly labelled train ride away.

Alight at Ruffles Place station, find exit G (Boat Quay, UOB Plaza) and walk in the direction of Singapore River. From there, towards the restaurants on the left. The hostel is approximately 150 meters away from The Penny Black (the first pub you will walk past). Total 3 minute walk.
​

PORT BY QUARTERS - BOAT QUAY 

​50 Boat Quay, Singapore 049839
Phone: +65 6816 6960

RECOMMENDATION & Rating

I was really happy with my decision to select the Port by Quarters and if I am ever looking for hostel accommodation in Singapore again, I wouldn't hesitate to re-book. 

HOSTEL RATING: 4½ out of 5 stars.

---

DESTINATIONS SINGAPORE
Boat Quay Facts.

BARS & NIGHTLIFE SINGAPORE
Prince of Wales Backpacker Pub in Boat Quay.

---