If there ever was one, Singapore is the perfect city to spend 24 hours.
The city-state at the tip of the Malaysian Peninsula is one of the few international cities in the world that can covered in such a short amount of time. It’s because for the average tourist most of what is worth seeing and doing is in walking distance surrounding Marina Bay. The area encompasses the famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel, the Gardens by the Bay exhibits, a large waterfront promenade, shopping malls, a luxury casino, and restaurants.
While always a business hub, Singapore has put a lot of work into developing the Marina Bay Area into a visitor-friendly destination. It helps that the city has been in the spotlight lately thanks to a high-profile summit between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un, as well as the blockbuster film Crazy Rich Asians.
The downside to Singapore is that if you’ve heard anything about it, it’s probably a gripe about the cost. The city has been ranked No. 1 in the world for cost of living for five years in a row by one measurement.
It’s beyond easy for business or luxury travelers to spend $1,000 USD a day or more.
However it’s also possible to travel through Singapore on the cheap if you’re willing to cut a few corners. In fact, I had an excellent time in Singapore spending only $50 for a hostel room, three meals, a visit to the Gardens of the Bay, and a round-trip subway to Changi Airport. The hostel room, located in China Town, with free wi-fi and coffee, was $10. The food court nearby cost $5 per meal for delicious Chinese food. The Gardens by the Bay entrance was my biggest expense at $20. The subway to central Singapore is $5 round trip and takes 45 minutes each way.
It helps that taking photos is one of my favorite things to do in new places. That activity is free.
