Singapore: Prince of Wales Backpacker Pub in Boat Quay

10/10/2017

Exterior of the Prince of Wales Backpacker Pub, Boat Quay, Singapore

The Prince of Wales Backpacker Pub in Boat Quay.

If you're a backpacker and looking for a party hostel in Singapore... locating yourself at a hostel positioned close to the Prince of Wales Backpacker Pub in either Boat Quay or Little India, in my opinion, is your best bet.

I've mentioned Singapore's Prince of Wales Backpacker Pub in several of my previous posts, so it seems only fair I allocate a post to the pub and provide a little bit of further information; especially if there any party hostel seeking backpackers travelling to Singapore City.

If you're a backpacker and looking for a party hostel in Singapore, you may find yourself a smidge disappointed. The peaceful nature of the guests and the presence of privacy curtains or cubes within dorm rooms can create a quiet atmosphere inside any Singapore hostel. This was the case for my accommodation, and it was the number one thing mentioned to me by people I met travelling in Singapore.

Locating yourself at a hostel positioned close to the Prince of Wales Backpacker Pub in either Boat Quay or Little India, in my opinion, is your best bet.

I will focus on Boat Quay, as that is where I was based.

Exterior of the Prince of Wales Backpacker Pub in Boat Quay.

Exterior of the Prince of Wales Backpacker Pub, Boat Quay, taken on the Singapore River Cruise

A view of the Prince of Wales from the middle of the river. (3rd from right/ green windows.)

Situated along the Boat Quay Esplanade that lines the Singapore River and conveniently located in between two hostels; Port by Quarters and MET a Space Pod - The Prince of Wales Backpacker Pub in Boat Quay acts as an unofficial surrogate bar to both. I believe there is also a bare-bones hostel located above the backpacker pub; however, I cannot confirm, nor would I recommend.
The pub, yes. Hostel, no.

The backpacker pub is both tiny and narrow, with the interior decorated in homage to the Prince of Wales in St Kilda, Melbourne - albeit circa 2006, so a little rustic, however, just like in Melbourne, the atmosphere of the pub is great and makes up for what the hostels lack. Everyone I met in Singapore, I happened to meet through visits to the Prince of Wales. The pub has riverside alfresco seating, live music some nights, broadcasts major sporting events, and features low prices, which are a rare gem in Singapore city.

Singapore is recognised as one of the most expensive cities in the world to purchase alcohol. So if you're a backpacker and heading to there, you would be wise to allocate more funds towards your alcohol budget. We both know you have an alcohol budget.

Until being stung at lunch and charged SGD $3o for a Singapore Sling in Clarke Quay, I didn't realise how good I had it while staying at the Port by Quarters and haunting the Prince of Wales in Boat Quay.

The backpacker pub has great drink specials: including 'Six in the City', six shooters, spirits or martinis for SGD $36 from 9 PM until close each night. Unlimited pints of beer for SGD $25 on Wednesday nights and SGD $3.80 house spirits every day except Wednesday. (Check out their website for updated info).

These prices not only satisfy the backpackers the pub's name intends to attract but also draw in locals, students and expats.