A S$20 note may not seem like much in Singapore these days. For many, it disappears quickly — a meal here, transport there, maybe a drink or dessert along the way. Before the night is even halfway through, it is often gone.
But a recent Instagram video by creator @jno_pwnr, posted on 4 March, set out to test a simple question.
How far can S$20 really take someone on a solo date night in Singapore?
The objectives were clear from the start: have dinner, find some entertainment, and make it back home. Somehow, by the end of the night, all three boxes were ticked, and there was still room for dessert.
Starting With the Cheapest Ride Possible
The evening began with what many he said was the most budget-conscious option short of walking: a bike.
Calling it the cheapest mode of transport besides walking, the creator kicked off the solo date with a ride through the city, taking in the view. The journey itself became part of the date, turning transport into the first experience of the day rather than just a means to get somewhere.
Dinner at a Familiar Favourite
For dinner, the creator headed to Saizeriya, a place that has long held its place as a dependable option for affordable dining. For students, office workers, and anyone looking for a sit-down meal without spending too much, the restaurant has remained a familiar name.
Looking through the menu, he remarked that the prices seemed almost unchanged.
“Damn, I feel like the prices haven’t changed in like ten years.”
The order for the night included escargot at S$5.90 and a pasta dish, while the S$3 glass of wine was left aside in favour of free water to stay within budget.
By the end of the meal, the total came up to about S$12. To him, it was a surprisingly solid amount of food for the price.
A Walk Through Joo Chiat and Some Arcade Fun
With dinner settled, the next objective was entertainment. Since the route brought him close to Joo Chiat, the creator decided to take a walk through the neighbourhood at night, noting how different the area felt compared to the daytime.
The next stop was a mall arcade, which he showed was nearly empty, before a short round on a racing game followed, which he described as his favourite.
For just a few minutes of gameplay, it worked out to nearly S$1 per minute, making it one of the pricier parts of the night, even so, the entertainment objective had officially been met.
The Final Stop Before Heading Home
The last task to make it home was simple, as he used the same bike from earlier to begin the return journey. But before the night ended, one final stop appeared by the roadside: the familiar ice cream auntie.
For many, that sight alone carries a certain nostalgia, and he stopped for a durian wafer ice cream sandwich, adding a sweet ending to the solo date. By the end of the video, the S$20 had covered transport, dinner, a round of arcade entertainment, dessert, and the journey home.
More Than Just a Budget Challenge
What made the video stand out was not just the spending challenge itself, but how recognisable every part of the evening felt.
A budget bike ride, dinner at Saizeriya, a quiet arcade, and roadside ice cream.
Taken together, it felt less like a challenge and more like a reminder that a night out in Singapore does not always need to be extravagant to feel enjoyable.
Watch the video here:
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